Cycloserine

Health and Nutrition > Medicines > C



How does it work?

Cycloserine is an antibiotic that is used to kill the bacteria that cause tuberculosis (TB). Bacteria have an external cell wall that is reinforced by molecules called peptidoglycans. This cell wall is vital for protection against the normal environment of the body in which the bacteria live. Cycloserine works by blocking the formation of these peptidoglycans. By doing this the walls of the bacteria become weak and it results in the death of the bacteria. Tuberculosis bacteria are difficult to eliminate, therefore cycloserine is given in combination with other medications that target the bacteria in different ways. If this medication is given alone the bacteria develop resistance. Cycloserine is only used when the bacteria are resistant to the drugs that are usually prescribed to treat TB.

What is it used for?

- Treatment of tuberculosis in combination with other drugs

Warning!

- Do not drink alcohol whilst taking this medicine.
- Monitoring is required to check the levels of this medicine in the body.
- People taking this medicine should have regular blood tests to monitor their kidney and liver function.
- People taking this medicine should have regular blood tests to check the levels of their blood components.

Use with caution in

- Decreased kidney function

Not to be used in

- Alcoholism
- Depression
- Epilepsy
- Life long inherited blood diseases which can cause a variety of symptoms, including mental health problems (porphyrias)
- Psychotic illness
- Severe anxiety
- Severely decreased kidney function

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.