Trecator

Trecator is the brand name for a medication called Ethionamide. It is an antibiotic that is primarily used in the treatment of tuberculosis (TB).

Ethionamide is an important component of the standard treatment regimen for TB. It is used in combination with other antibiotics to effectively treat the infection and prevent the development of drug resistance.

Antibiotic works by inhibiting the growth of the bacteria that cause TB. It targets specific enzymes involved in the synthesis of bacterial proteins, disrupting their function and preventing the bacteria from multiplying.

This medication is available in the form of tablets and is typically taken orally. The dosage and duration of treatment will depend on the specific regimen, which may vary based on the individual's age, weight, and the severity of the TB infection.

It is important to note that Trecator is usually reserved for use in drug-resistant strains of TB or cases where other first-line treatments have been ineffective. It is not typically used as a first-line therapy due to its potential side effects and the need for close monitoring during treatment.

Composition of Trecator

The chemical name of Trecator is 2-ethylthioisonicotinamid. Trecator is a yellow coloured, non-hygroscopic, crystalline compound having a faint to moderate odour of sulfide and a melting temperature of 162° C. Tablets contain 250 milligrams of Ethionamide with the inactive ingredients being croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate,FD&C Yellow #6, microcrystalline cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, povidone, talc, silicon dioxide and titanium dioxide.

Uses of Trecator

This drug is used for the treatment of tuberculosis, and it is advised to not to miss the dosage of this medicine, even if the patient feels better. Along with this, this medication is also used in the treatment of atypical mycobacterial infections likeMAC (Mycobacterium avium complex) or Leprosy (Hansen's disease).

Dosage

Typically, the recommended adult dosage of Trecator for tuberculosis treatment is around 15 to 20 mg per kilogram of body weight, taken orally in two divided doses. It is essential to complete the full course of treatment as prescribed, even if you start feeling better.

How to Take

When taking Trecator for the treatment of tuberculosis, it's important to follow these instructions:

1. Take with food: Trecator is usually taken with food to help reduce stomach upset. This means you should take it either with a meal or shortly after eating.
2. Swallow the tablets whole: Do not crush or chew the tablets. Swallow them whole with a glass of water.
3. Stick to the schedule: Take tablets at the same time(s) every day to maintain consistent levels of the medication in your system. This helps ensure its effectiveness.
4. Complete the full course: It's important to take Trecator for the entire prescribed duration, even if you start feeling better before completing the treatment. Skipping doses or stopping the medication prematurely can lead to the development of drug-resistant TB.
5. Aid alcohol: Ethionamide can cause alcohol intolerance. It's recommended to avoid alcohol while taking this medication.

If you accidentally miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's almost time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Side effects of Trecator

The common side effects for Trecator are:

• Nausea, vomiting & diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Stomach pain
• Blisters or ulcers in the mouth
• Trouble in swallowing
• Reddening or swelling of the gums
• Increased salivation, and having a metallic taste in the mouth
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Feeling of Restlessness
• Depression of the mood

The severe side effects of Trecator involve:

• Difficulty in breathing
• Swelling of the parts of the body like the face, tongue, throat or lips.
• Numbness in several parts of the body
• Tingling feeling or a burning sensation in the hands or the feet
• Confusion
• Seizure (Convulsions)
• Unusual behavior and thoughts
• Pain in the eye
• Double vision or blurring of the vision
• Light headed feeling as if one is about to pass out
• Pain in the upper stomach pain
• Darkened urine
• Jaundice or yellowing of the eyes and the skin
• Production of Clay colored stools
• Decreased sexual activity
• Changes in the menstrual periods
• Dry and puffing of skin

Contraindication of Trecator

The patient should not use Trecator if he/she is allergic to any of the ingredients present in the medication or he/she may be suffering from a severe liver disease. You must inform the doctor about any of the below mentioned conditions:

1. If one is pregnant, or planning to get pregnant and/or is doing breast feeding
2. If one is taking some non-prescription or some prescribed medicine, some dietary supplement of some herbal product
3. If one is allergic to certain foods, medicines or substances
4. If one suffers from liver problems, diabetes or has some vision problems

Interactions

When taking Trecator for tuberculosis, it's important to be aware of potential drug interactions. Interactions can occur when Trecator is taken with other medications, supplements, or substances, and they can affect the effectiveness or safety of the treatment. Here are some common interactions to consider:

1. Alcohol: Avoid consuming alcohol while taking Trecator. Ethionamide, the active ingredient in Trecator, can cause alcohol intolerance, leading to symptoms such as flushing, rapid heartbeat, nausea, and vomiting.
2. Other medications: Certain medications may interact with Trecator, potentially increasing the risk of side effects or affecting the effectiveness of either medication. Some examples of medications that may interact with Trecator include cycloserine, isoniazid, rifampin, and pyrazinamide.
3. Antacids: Some antacids containing aluminum hydroxide may interfere with the absorption of Trecator. If you need to take antacids, it's recommended to separate the doses by at least two hours.
4. Diabetes medications: Ethionamide can affect blood sugar levels, so it's important to monitor your blood sugar closely if you have diabetes
5. Liver function: Trecator is primarily metabolized by the liver, so if you have liver disease or impaired liver function, you may need to adjust the dosage or monitor your liver function more closely.
6. Food interactions: While Trecator is generally taken with food to reduce stomach upset, certain foods or beverages may interact with the medication. For example, foods rich in tyramine, such as aged cheese, cured meats, and fermented foods, may increase the risk of high blood pressure or other adverse effects.

Warnings

When taking Trecator for the treatment of tuberculosis, it's important to be aware of certain warnings and precautions. Here are some important points to keep in mind:

1. Allergy: Allergic reactions can range from mild skin rashes to severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any signs of an allergic reaction.
2. Peripheral neuropathy: Trecator may cause peripheral neuropathy, a condition that affects the nerves in the hands and feet. Symptoms may include tingling, numbness, pain, or weakness in these areas.
3. Hypothyroidism: Ethionamide may interfere with thyroid function, leading to hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). Symptoms may include fatigue, weight gain, sensitivity to cold, and depression.
4. Psychiatric effects: Medicine may cause psychiatric side effects such as confusion, depression, anxiety, or psychosis.
5. Diabetes: Ethionamide can affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar closely during treatment. Adjustments to your diabetes medications may be necessary.
6. Drug resistance: Taking Trecator as prescribed and completing the full course of treatment is crucial to prevent the development of drug-resistant TB. Do not skip doses or stop the medication prematurely, even if you start feeling better.

Trecator and Alcohol

When taking Trecator for tuberculosis, it's important to avoid consuming alcohol. Ethionamide can cause alcohol intolerance, which means that the combination of Ethionamide and alcohol can lead to adverse reactions.

Drinking alcohol while taking Trecator may cause symptoms such as flushing, rapid heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, and an overall feeling of discomfort. These symptoms can be unpleasant and potentially harmful to your health.

To ensure the effectiveness and safety of your treatment, it's recommended to refrain from consuming alcohol while taking Trecator.

Pregnancy and Trecator

The drug has been assigned by the FDA to the pregnancy category C which means that animal studies have either shown a contrary effect & there are no satisfactory results in case of pregnant women or animal studies have not been conducted &there are no satisfactory results in case of pregnant women. The drug is only prescribed to the patient during pregnancy only if the benefits outweigh the risks involved.

ˆ Back to top of page