Ethionamide: Uses, indications and cautions when using

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Ethionamide is an anti-tuberculosis drug and is used with other medicines in the treatment of tuberculosis. Ethionamide works by stopping the growth of bacteria, and it works for bacterial infections and not for viral infections.

1. Uses of Ethionamide

Ethionamide is an antibiotic and works by stopping the growth of bacteria. This antibiotic works for bacterial infections and not for viral infections. Ethionamide is an anti-tuberculosis drug and is used in combination with other medicines to treat tuberculosis.
Unnecessary use of any other antibiotic, especially overuse of antibiotics, can render it ineffective for future infections and lead to antibiotic resistance. .

2. How to use Ethionamide

Ethionamide comes in tablet form, so it should be taken by mouth, usually once a day or as directed by your doctor. If Ethionamide causes abdominal pain or nausea, vomiting, take this medicine with meals. Alternatively, you can discuss with your doctor about dividing your daily dose into smaller doses to take several times a day.
Dosage is based on the patient's age, weight, medical condition and response to treatment. For best results, take Ethionamide at different times of the day. Taking your medicine at the same time each day will help you remember better. Your doctor may also direct you to take vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) to help prevent some side effects, such as nerve problems from ethionamide.

3. Notes when taking Ethionamide

The use of the right drug Ethionamide at the right dose and at the right time will help increase the effectiveness of the treatment. Therefore, keep taking Ethionamide and other TB medicines until your prescribed dose is exhausted, even if your symptoms have improved. Stopping the medication too soon or skipping a dose can allow bacteria to continue to grow, which can lead to a return of the infection and make the infection more difficult to treat because the bacteria are already resistant to the drug.
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose to remember, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the same time as the original. Never use a double dose as prescribed.
Some other notes when using Ethionamide include:
Before using the drug, inform your doctor about allergies, medical history, especially liver disease, kidney disease, hypothyroidism, problems eye problems (eg optic neuritis, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy,...) Do not use alcohol Always check blood sugar if the patient has diabetes: because Ethionamide can can lower blood sugar. So check your blood sugar regularly, when you have symptoms such as low blood sugar, sudden sweating, tremors, heart palpitations, hunger, blurred vision, dizziness or tingling in the hands. , feet, ... inform your doctor immediately. From there, your doctor can adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet. It is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women, because Ethionamide can be harmful to the fetus and young child.

4. Undesirable effects of Ethionamide thuốc

Some unwanted effects of Ethionamide include:
Nausea, vomiting Diarrhea Increased salivation Abdominal pain, stomach pain Strange taste in the mouth Anorexia Ulcers in the mouth Unusual hunger, weakness Tremors Unusual sweating Dark urine Joint pain Mood changes: anxiety, restlessness can even lead to depression. Allergic reactions: rash, itching or swelling of the mouth, face, tongue, throat, dizziness, difficulty breathing,... Vision changes: blurred vision, limited vision, double vision, color blindness, pain eyes,... When prescribing doctors always weigh and evaluate the benefits that outweigh the risks. However, in some cases, unwanted effects may occur. Therefore, when you see unusual symptoms, or persistent nausea, diarrhea, etc., immediately notify a medical staff for timely treatment.

5. Ethionamide drug interactions

Some drugs when taken with Ethionamide can cause drug interactions, reduce the effectiveness of the drug and increase the risk of unwanted effects. Therefore, before taking Ethionamide, please inform your doctor about your medical history, history of allergies as well as drug products you are using.
Alcohol can increase your risk of liver disease or unusual mood swings. Therefore, absolutely do not drink alcohol during treatment. Ethionamide may make live bacterial vaccines (eg typhoid vaccine) ineffective. Therefore, do not get vaccinated while using Ethionamide unless your doctor tells you to. Also, before surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you are using including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal products.
Ethionamide can cause reactions and falsify test results. Therefore, make sure the testing technicians know the patient's drug use status.

6. How to store Ethionamide?

To ensure drug effect, Ethionamide should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and light. Do not store in a humid place or in the freezer. Each medicine will have different storage methods, so read the Ethionamide storage instructions on the package carefully, or ask your pharmacist. Keep Ethionamide out of the reach of children and pets. Dispose of medicine properly when it is past its expiration date or cannot be used. Do not throw Ethionamide down the toilet or plumbing unless told to do so. Consult your local waste disposal company or pharmacist for safe disposal of medications.
In a nutshell, Ethionamide is an antibiotic and works by stopping the growth of bacteria. This antibiotic works for bacterial infections and not for viral infections. Ethionamide is an anti-tuberculosis drug and is used in combination with other medicines to treat tuberculosis. Medicines can cause some unwanted effects and interact with certain medications. Therefore, before using, please inform your doctor about your allergy history, medical history as well as the prescriptions you are using to prevent unwanted effects, and increase the effectiveness of the drug in treatment.

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Reference source: webmd.com