Drug Name
Ethionamide
Drug Uses
Ethionamide is used for treating tuberculosis (TB) infections in combination with other medicines. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
How to take
Use Ethionamide as directed by your doctor.
- Ethionamide may be taken with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.
- Ethionamide should be taken in combination with other medicines.
Drug Class and Mechanism
Ethionamide is an antibacterial agent. It works by inhibiting or stopping the growth of TB cells, which results in cell death.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of Ethionamide, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Storage
Store Ethionamide at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep Ethionamide out of the reach of children and away from pets.
Warnings/Precautions
Do not use Ethionamide if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Ethionamide;
- you have severe liver disease.
Some medical conditions may interact with Ethionamide . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you have diabetes, liver problems, or vision problems
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Ethionamide . However, no specific interactions with Ethionamide are known at this time.
Possible Side Effects
Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:
- diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; headache; increased salivation; loss of appetite; metallic taste; mouth sores; nausea; restlessness; stomach pain; vomiting; weight loss.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:
- severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); change in sense of smell; depression; easy bruising or bleeding; low blood sugar (e.g., increased heartbeat, headache, chills, sweating, tremor, increased hunger, changes in vision, nervousness, weakness, dizziness, drowsiness, fainting); tingling of hands or feet; vision changes (e.g., loss of vision); yellowing of the skin or eyes.
More Information
If you have any questions about Ethionamide , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Ethionamide is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

