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Introduction About THIOMID E
THIOMID E contains Ethionamide which belongs to the group of medicines called Antitubercular drugs. It is used in the management of active tuberculosis caused by a bacteria called M. tuberculosis resistant to other antibiotics (Ex. isoniazid, rifampicin) or when the patient is intolerant to other medicines. THIOMID E is generally used in combination with other medicines.
Tuberculosis is a serious bacterial infectious disease that affects the lungs. The symptoms are unusual loss of weight, fever, cough, difficulty in breathing, chest pain, loss of appetite, night sweats, etc. Your doctor may monitor your blood sugar level, thyroid function and visual activity regularly while taking THIOMID E.
THIOMID E is not recommended for use in patients having severe liver disease. THIOMID E is not recommended for use in pregnant women and should be used with caution in breastfeeding women. THIOMID E is not recommended for use in children (below 12 years of age) except in some specific disease conditions. Ask for your doctor’s advice before giving it to your child.
There is no information available on the use of THIOMID E in elderly patients, hence, consult your doctor before taking it. The most common side effects of taking THIOMID E are stomach discomfort, diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, headache, dizziness, general weakness, yellowing of the skin and eyes, fever, fatigue, etc. If the symptoms do not improve, consult your doctor.
Uses Of THIOMID E
- Manage active tuberculosis resistant to other antibiotics (Ex. isoniazid, rifampicin) or when the patient is intolerant to other medicines
How THIOMID E Works
THIOMID E effectively reduces the tuberculosis infection by inhibiting the peptide synthesis, which is necessary for the bacteria, thereby it kills or suppresses the growth of disease-causing bacteria.
How to use THIOMID E
Always take THIOMID E as directed by your physician. Swallow with a glass of water and do not crush or chew it. Your doctor will prescribe the correct dose and duration of THIOMID E management depending upon your age, body weight and health condition. Do not stop taking THIOMID E unless your doctor advises you to stop.
Side Effects Of THIOMID E
Common
- stomach discomfort and pain
- diarrhoea, loss of appetite
- vomiting, nausea
- headache, drowsiness, dizziness
- general weakness
- pins and needle sensation (paraesthesia)
- signs of liver inflammation (hepatitis) including yellowing of the skin and eyes, fever, fatigue
Rare
- peripheral neuritis (nerve damage causing weakness, numbness of hand and feet)
- eye problems like optic neuritis, double vision, blurred vision
- vitamin B3 deficiency or pellagra-like syndrome (dermatitis, diarrhea, dementia)
Stop taking THIOMID E and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:
- liver injury (loss of appetite, nausea, yellow skin and whites of eye, discoloured stools, dark urine, pain and tenderness in the upper-right-side of the abdomen)
- signs of allergic reaction like fever and rash
How To Manage Side Effects
Nausea:
Take THIOMID E with or just after meals. Stick to simple meals. Avoid eating rich or spicy food, sugary snacks and drinks. Talk to your doctor if the nausea doesn’t improve.
Drowsiness:
Take adequate sleep. Do not involve in rigorous activities. Do not interfere with your sleep cycle. Talk to your doctor if the drowsiness doesn’t improve.
Vomiting:
Drink clear or ice-cold drinks, eat light, bland foods and avoid fried, oily or sweet foods. Avoid drinking too much liquid along with your meals, drink slowly in between meals. Consult your doctor if your symptom worsens.
Diarrhea:
Drink lots of fluids, such as water or fruit juice to keep yourself hydrated. Do not consume any medicine on your own without consulting your doctor. Consult with your doctor if diarrhea doesn’t improve.
Stomach pain:
Try to rest and relax. Try to have smaller and frequent meals. Keep a heat pad on your stomach. If the symptom does not improve, contact your doctor.
Dizziness
Lie or sit down immediately when you feel dizzy. If you're feeling severe episode of spinning (vertigo), lie in a dark and quite place with eyes closed. Try to avoid vehicle driving. Discuss with your doctor if the symptom worsens.
Headache:
Apply hot or cold-water bag on your head. Try to take rest in a quiet and dark room. Drink tea or coffee. Massage on scalp or head with mild pressure. Consult your doctor for advice.
Warning & Precautions
Pregnancy
There are no adequate and well controlled studies about the use of THIOMID E in pregnant women, hence, it is not recommended for use in women who are pregnant or likely to become pregnant unless considered necessary by the doctor. Consult your doctor about the risks and benefits before taking THIOMID E.
Breastfeeding
There is no information available on the use of THIOMID E in breastfeeding women, hence, it should be used only if the benefits outweigh the risks to the baby. New-borns who are breast-fed by mothers taking THIOMID E should be monitored carefully. Consult your doctor before taking it.
Driving and Using Machines
Do not drive or use any machineries if you feel drowsy or have a headache after taking THIOMID E.
Alcohol
Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking THIOMID E as it may cause psychotic reactions.
Liver
THIOMID E is not recommended for use in patients having severe liver disease. Consult your doctor for advice.
Allergy
Do not take THIOMID E if you are allergic to Ethionamide or any of the other ingredients of this medicine.
Others
Before taking THIOMID E inform your doctor if you have:
- diabetes
Use in Pediatrics:
THIOMID E is not recommended for use in children (below 12 years of age) except in some specific disease conditions. Ask for your doctor’s advice before giving it to your child.
Use in Geriatrics:
There is no information available on the use of THIOMID E in elderly patients. Consult your doctor before taking it.
Interactions
A. Drug - Drug interactions:
Before taking THIOMID E, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
- isoniazid and rifampicin (used to manage tuberculosis)
Overdosage:
If you or anyone else accidentally take too much of THIOMID E, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital.
Synopsis
| Drug | : | Ethionamide |
| Pharmacological Category | : | Antitubercular drugs |
| Therapeutic Indication | : | Tuberculosis |
| Dosage Forms | : | Tablet |
More Information
- Keep THIOMID E out of reach of children
- Store THIOMID E at a temperature below 30°C
FAQs About THIOMID E
Can pregnant woman take THIOMID E?
There are no adequate and well controlled studies about the use of THIOMID E in pregnant women, hence, it is not recommended for use in women who are pregnant or likely to become pregnant unless considered necessary by the doctor. Consult your doctor about the risks and benefits before taking THIOMID E.
Can THIOMID E be given to children?
THIOMID E is not recommended for use in children (below 12 years of age) except in some specific disease conditions. Consult your child's doctor for advice. The doctor will advise a proper dose or select a suitable alternative management for your child.
Can THIOMID E cause nerve related side effects?
THIOMID E can cause peripheral neuritis (weakness, pain or numbness in hands and feet) or optic neuritis (inflammation of the optic nerve). Your doctor might prescribe you pyridoxine or vitamin B6 along with THIOMID E to reduce these side effects. Ask for your doctor’s advice.
For how long should I take THIOMID E?
THIOMID E should be taken exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not stop taking it early or use it for a prolonged period. Skipping doses or not completing the full term management of THIOMID E may decrease the effectiveness of the immediate management and increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance against THIOMID E and will not be manageable by this medicine or other antibacterial drugs in the future. Ask your doctor if you wish to discontinue.
What are the tests that should be done frequently while taking THIOMID E?
While taking THIOMID E, your doctor might ask you to check your blood glucose levels priorly and periodically throughout therapy with THIOMID E. Patients having diabetes should be particularly alert for episodes of hypoglycaemia. Periodic monitoring of thyroid function tests is recommended while taking THIOMID E as hypothyroidism may occur. Along with this, your doctor may ask you to perform eye examinations.
Should THIOMID E be taken with or without meals?
THIOMID E can be taken with or without meals. It is preferable to take it after meals, as this will help in reducing the gastrointestinal effects of THIOMID E. Ask for your doctor’s advice.
References
1. KD. Tripathi. Antitubercular drugs. Essentials of medical pharmacology. Eighth edition. 2019. Page – 821.
2. Ethionamide. NIH National Library of Medicine, National Centre for biotechnology information. PubChem. September 2022. [Accessed on 5th September 2022]. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Ethionamide
3. Ethionamide. LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury [Internet]. NIH National Library of Medicine, National Centre for biotechnology information. December 2020. [Accessed on 5th September 2022]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548025/
4. J B Bass Jr, L S Farer, P C Hopewell, R O'Brien, R F Jacobs, F Ruben, D E Snider Jr, G Thornton. Treatment of tuberculosis and tuberculosis infection in adults and children. American Thoracic Society and The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. NIH National Library of Medicine, National Centre for biotechnology information. Pubmed.gov. May 1994. [Accessed on 5th September 2022]. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8173779/
5. Micro Labs Limited. World Health Organisation (WHO). [Revised in April 2020]. [Accessed on 5th September 2022]. https://extranet.who.int/pqweb/sites/default/files/TB242part3.pdf
6. Wyeth Pharmaceutical Inc. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. [Revised in August 2016]. [Accessed on 5th September 2022]. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2016/013026s029lbl.pdf
7. Pfizer. Trecator (Ethionamide). [Revised in July 2020]. [Accessed on 5th September 2022]. https://labeling.pfizer.com/showlabeling.aspx?format=PDF&id=473
Useful Diagnostic Tests
- Mantoux test

