Trecator

Generic name: ethionamide [ ETH-eye-ON-a-mide ]
Drug class: Nicotinic acid derivatives

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jun 30, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Trecator?

Trecator is an antibiotic that fights bacteria.

Trecator is used to treat tuberculosis (TB). This medicine must be given in combination with other tuberculosis medications and it should not be used alone.

Trecator may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Trecator side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Trecator may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands or feet;

• confusion; unusual thoughts or behavior;

• eye pain, blurred vision, double vision;

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

• seizure (convulsions); or

• upper stomach pain, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Common side effects of Trecator may include:

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;

• stomach pain, loss of appetite;

• increased salivation, metallic taste in your mouth;

• blisters or ulcers in your mouth, red or swollen gums, trouble swallowing;

• headache, dizziness; or

• drowsiness, depressed mood, restless feeling.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, rifampin, Levaquin

Warnings

You should not use Trecator if you have severe liver disease.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Trecator if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• severe liver disease.

To make sure Trecator is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• liver disease;

• vision problems;

• diabetes; or

• a thyroid disorder.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Trecator will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using Trecator.

It is not known whether ethionamide passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

How should I take Trecator?

Your doctor will perform blood tests to make sure you do not have conditions that would prevent you from safely using Trecator.

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

You may take Trecator with or without food.

Trecator may be taken with food if it upsets your stomach.

You may need frequent blood tests to check your liver and thyroid function. You may also need frequent vision exams.

If you have diabetes, check your blood sugar carefully while taking Trecator.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Trecator will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking Trecator?

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Trecator.

What other drugs will affect Trecator?

Other drugs may interact with ethionamide, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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