This medication is used with other medications to treat
tuberculosis (TB). In some cases, it may also be used to treat urinary
tract infections (UTIs). It works by stopping the growth of
bacteria.
This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections. It
will not work for viral infections (such as common cold, flu). Using any
antibiotic when it is not needed can cause it to not work for future
infections.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as
directed by your doctor, usually twice daily (every 12
hours).
The dosage is based on your weight, medical condition,
cycloserine blood levels, and response to treatment.
For the best effect, take this antibiotic at evenly
spaced times. To help you remember, take this medication at the same
time(s) every day.
Continue to take this medication (and other TB
medications) until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms
disappear. Stopping the medication too early or skipping doses may result
in a return of the infection and cause the infection to be more difficult
to treat (resistant).
Your doctor may also direct you to take vitamin B6
(pyridoxine) to help prevent certain side effects from cycloserine. Follow
your doctor's instructions carefully.
Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets
worse.
Headache, drowsiness, dizziness, or shaking (tremor) may
occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or
pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- weakness
- mental/mood changes (such as confusion, agitation,
hallucination, depression, thoughts of suicide)
- numb/tingling skin
- seizures
- irregular heartbeat
- symptoms of heart failure (such as shortness of breath,
swelling ankles/feet, unusual tiredness, unusual/sudden weight
gain)
- pale skin
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking cycloserine, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic
reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more
details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- seizures
- mental/mood disorders (such as depression, anxiety,
psychosis)
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- alcohol use
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or
marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use
machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely.
Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana
(cannabis).
Cycloserine may cause live bacterial vaccines (such as
typhoid vaccine) to not work well. Tell your health care professional that
you are using cycloserine before having any
immunizations/vaccinations.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
This medication passes into breast milk but is unlikely
to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before
breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other
products that cause drowsiness including alcohol, marijuana (cannabis),
antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine), drugs for sleep or
anxiety (such as alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants, and
opioid pain relievers (such as codeine).
Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy
or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause
drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products
safely.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include:
numb/tingling skin, confusion, agitation, hallucinations,
seizures.
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as sputum test,
cycloserine blood levels, kidney/liver function, complete blood count)
should be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and
lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
It is important to take each dose of this medication as
scheduled. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is
near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose
at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and
pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.