If you or someone you know is being treated for TB, you probably know that you have to take several different types of medications. This is a long-term treatment. One of these medications is called Ethionamide. The name may sound a bit complicated, but don't worry. In this article, we will talk about this medication in a very simple way, like you would tell a friend, and about the things you need to be careful about when using it.
What is Ethionamide?
Simply put, Ethionamide is an antibiotic, meaning it kills bacteria in the body . But it's not for just any bacteria. It's specifically used to fight the bacteria that cause tuberculosis (TB) .
It is very important to note that Ethionamide is never used alone in the treatment of TB. It is always given in combination with one or more other TB medications. Therefore, it is essential to take all the medications your doctor prescribes exactly.
Also, remember, since this is an antibiotic, it won't work at all for things like the common cold or viral flu.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
It is very important that your doctor is fully aware of your health condition before giving you Ethionamide. Therefore, if you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell your doctor.
- If you have diabetes .
- If you have any liver disease .
- If you are infected with HIV .
- If you have a thyroid problem (thyroid disease) .
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant .
- If you are breastfeeding your baby .
- If you have previously had an allergy to Ethionamide or any other medicine, food, or dye.
Don't hide these things, because this information is very important to the doctor for your safety and the success of your treatment.
How exactly do I use this medicine?
The method of using this medicine is very simple.
- Swallow the pill with a glass of water.
- You can take it before or after meals. However, if you experience stomach upset or nausea after taking this medicine, take it with food . This may reduce the symptoms.
- Take your medicine at the times prescribed by your doctor, at the appropriate intervals. If you take it once a day, try to take it at the same time every day.
- The most important thing: Even if you feel better now, take the full dose of medicine your doctor prescribed for the full duration. Do not skip doses or stop treatment halfway. Doing so can cause the disease to flare up again and become resistant to the medicine.
- If giving to children: There are special considerations when giving this medicine to children. So talk to your child's doctor about it and follow his or her instructions exactly.
What if I suddenly take too much medicine?
Imagine that you have accidentally taken too much medicine. If that happens, don't delay. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What if I miss a dose of medicine?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
While taking this medicine, it's a good idea to pay a little more attention to your body.
- See your doctor regularly: Be sure to go to the clinic on the days your doctor tells you. You will also be asked to continue to have blood tests . These tests will monitor how the medicine is affecting your body.
- Eyesight: This medicine can sometimes cause changes in your eyesight. So, if your doctor advises it, get your eyes checked.
- Drowsiness and dizziness: You may feel drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. Be careful when getting up from a sitting position, especially if you are elderly.
- Alcohol: Avoid alcohol completely while taking this medication. Alcohol can interfere with the effectiveness of the medication and increase side effects.
- Special for people with diabetes: If you are diabetic, check your blood sugar levels regularly as directed by your doctor, as this medication may cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
- Vitamin B6: This medication may decrease your vitamin B6 levels. So talk to your doctor about your diet and the vitamins you take. He or she may also recommend that you take a vitamin B6 supplement.
What side effects might I experience?
Like any medicine, Ethionamide can cause side effects. However, not everyone gets them. Let's break these side effects down into two categories.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Skin allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Vision changes | Blurred vision, changes, with or without eye pain. |
| Mental changes | Memory loss, depression, restlessness, memory loss. |
| Neurological disorders | Numbness, pain, or loss of sensation in the limbs. |
| Effects on the liver | Yellowing of the eyes or skin, extreme tiredness, weakness. |
| Common side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
| Digestive system problems | Stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite. |
| Other minor ailments | Metallic taste in the mouth, mouth sores, drooling, headache. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience anything unusual outside of these, talk to your doctor about it.
Take-Home Message
- Ethionamide is an antibiotic used to treat TB. It is often given together with other TB medications.
- If you have other medical conditions, such as diabetes or liver disease, tell your doctor before starting the medication.
- Even if you feel better, do not stop taking the medicine until the prescribed treatment period is over.
- Avoid alcohol completely while taking this medicine.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any severe side effects, such as yellowing of the eyes, changes in vision, or numbness in the limbs.
- Always keep medicines in a safe place out of the reach of children.
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