Cycloserine capsule

What is this medicie?

CYCLOSERINE is an antibiotic. Cycloserine kills or interferes with the growth of bacteria that cause tuberculosis. It is usually reserved for patients with tuberculosis who have been unsuccessfully treated with other medicines.

What should my health care professional know before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• an alcohol problem
• anxiety
• depression
• kidney disease
• mental illness
• seizures (convulsions)
• an unusual or allergic reaction to cycloserine, other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early even if you feel better. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

• alcohol
• ethionamide
• isoniazid, INH

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking this medicine?

Tell your prescriber or health care professional as soon as you can if you feel depressed or have thoughts about suicide. You may need to change your medicine.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how cycloserine affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient.

Alcohol can make you more drowsy and dizzy and increase the possibility of seizures. Avoid alcoholic drinks while you are taking cycloserine. Remember that non-prescription medicines, especially some cough medicines contain alcohol.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• anxiety
• confusion
• depression
• dizziness, drowsiness
• irritability, nervousness, possible suicidal thoughts
• loss of balance
• muscle twitches or trembling
• nightmares, speech problems
• numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
• seizures (convulsions)
• skin rash

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• headache
• tiredness

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.