Ethionamide side effects

Finally, some drugs widely used including lithium, ethionamide, sulfonamides carbutamide, p-aminobenzoic acid, p-aminosalycilic acid, ketoconazole, or phenylbutazone have adverse side effects on the thyroid [26]. 

Ethionamide is active with respect to Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium leprae, but it does not have an effect on other microorganisms. It enhances phagocytosis at the center of tuberculous inflammation, which facilitates its decomposition. However, it frequently causes side effects associated with the gastrointestinal tract as well as a hepa-totoxic effect in approximately 5% of patients. Synonyms of this drug are trecatil, ethimide, thiomid, tuberin, tuberoid, and others. 

A. Ethambutol is associated with retrobulbar neuritis, resulting in loss of central vision and impaired red-green discrimination. Ethionamide (B) is an analogue of isonicotinic acid and is associated with GI intolerance and peripheral neuropathy, but not the optic neuritis or color vision discrimination problems. Aminosalicylic acid (C) can cause GI irritation and bleeding problems, so caution is required in peptic ulcer patients. It has no neurological side effects. Rifampin (D) is associated with red-orange discoloration of saliva, tears, and urine but not the color vision problems. Isoniazid (E) is associated with peripheral neuritis in chronic alcoholics and malnourished individuals and requires pyridoxine supplements. It is not associated with optic neuritis. 

Ethionamide is considered a secondary drug for the treatment of tuberculosis. It is used in the treatment of i.soniazid-resistant tuberculosis or when the patient i.s intolerant to Iso-niazid and other drugs. Because of its low potency, the highest tolerated dose of ethionamide i.s usually recommended. Ga.strointestinal intolerance is the most common side effect associated with its use. Visual disturbances and hcpatotoxic-iiy have also been reported. 

Ethionamide, which has bacteriostatic actions against M. tuberculosis (0.5 to 1 g/day in divided doses) is indicated in the treatment of tuberculosis where first-line drugs such as isoniazid and rifampin have failed. The side effects of ethionamide may include nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, metallic taste, hepatitis, jaundice, stomatitis, depression, drowsiness, asthenia, peripheral neuritis, olfactory disturbances, diplopia, blurred vision, optic neuritis, convulsions, postural hypotension, thrombocytopenia, gynecomastia, impotence, menorrhagia, or diabetes mellitus. 

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