Protionamide
About
Protionamide belongs to the group of medicines called antibiotic drugs primarily used to treat tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that mainly affects the lungs. Protionamide should not be used alone and must be given in combination with other tuberculosis medications. Protionamide does not work against infections caused by the virus, including cold and flu.
Protionamide contains ‘Prothionamide’ that works by slowing bacteria's growth that causes tuberculosis (Mycobacterium tuberculosis).
You are advised to take Protionamide for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you depending on your medical conditions. You may experience loss of appetite, vomiting, nausea, orthostatic hypotension (sudden lowering of blood pressure on standing), gastric irritation, weakness, depression, and sleepiness. Most of these side effects of Protionamide do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Do not stop taking Protionamide despite symptomatic relief. Treat your condition effectually, and continue taking Protionamide for as long as it has been prescribed for you. Take Protionamide with caution if you have severe liver disease. Consult your doctor before taking Protionamide if you are pregnant and breastfeeding. Protionamide may rarely cause dizziness, and vision problems, so drive with caution if you experience these signs. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Protionamide as it might lead to liver problems or mental/mood changes. Inform your doctor immediately if you experience/notice confusion, seizure, dark urine, clay-coloured stools after taking Protionamide.
Uses of Protionamide
Medicinal Benefits
Protionamide contains ‘Prothionamide’ that works by inactivating a bacterial genetic material that allows TB bacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) to make a copy of its protein for further growth inside the host cell (human). Prothionamide indicated in the treatment of active tuberculosis in patients with Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection resistant to rifampin or isoniazid.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Protionamide
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Orthostatic hypotension (sudden lowering of blood pressure on standing)
- Gastric irritation
- Weakness
- Depression
- Sleepiness
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Before starting Protionamide, please inform your doctor if you have a medical history, especially of liver disease, underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), kidney disease, eye problems (such as optic neuritis, cataracts). Inform your doctor if you have a fit disorder. Take Protionamide with caution if you have diabetes. Protionamide may lower your blood sugar levels. Also, check your blood sugar level regularly as directed by your doctor. Consult your doctor before taking Protionamide if you are pregnant Protionamide may cause dizziness, and vision problems, so drive with caution. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Protionamide as it might lead to liver problems or mental/mood changes. Inform your doctor immediately if you experience/notice confusion, seizure, dark urine, clay-coloured stools after taking Protionamide. Do not stop Protionamide if you feel better, stopping early can lead to treatment failure and it may be life-threatening.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Protionamide may interact with a Bacillus Calmette-Guerin Vaccine, anti-TB medicines (Cycloserine, Rifampicin), medicine for constipation (picosulfuric acid).
Drug-Food Interactions: Do not consume alcohol while taking Protionamide as it could lead to increased dizziness or mental/mood changes.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Protionamide may interact with liver disease, diabetes, or a thyroid disorder.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid alcohol consumption while taking Protionamide as it could lead to increased dizziness or mental/mood changes.
Pregnancy
cautionThe safety of Protionamide in pregnant women is unknown. Therefore, it is given to pregnant women only if the doctor thinks the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is unknown whether Protionamide is excreted in human milk. Protionamide is given to breastfeeding mothers only if the doctor thinks benefits are greater than risks.
Driving
unsafeProtionamide may cause dizziness, drowsiness, and vision problems. Do not drive or operate machinery if you experience these symptoms.
Liver
unsafeDo not use Protionamide if you have severe liver disease. consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this or kidney impairment/kidney disease before taking Protionamide.
Children
cautionDo not use Protionamide in a child without a doctor's advice.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Pineapple juice might help soothe the symptoms of cough and cold. It also has anti-inflammatory and mucolytic properties.
- Foods rich in vitamin C such as kiwi, broccoli, and bell pepper, help improve the immune system.
- Avoid processed and fried foods.
- Warm ginger tea or warm soup can help in providing relief from cough.
- Avoid foods and drinks containing histamine or tyramine such as cured meat, matured cheese, soya, tuna, salmon, mackerel, wine, and beer.
- To help prevent certain side effects (such as nerve problems) from this medication, your doctor may advise you to take vitamin B6 (pyridoxine).
- Quit smoking and avoid alcohol consumption.
Special Advise
- Your doctor may advise you to get regular liver tests while taking Protionamide to check how your liver functions.
- You may need frequent blood tests to check your liver and thyroid function. You may also need frequent eye exams.
- If you have diabetes, check your blood sugar levels carefully while on this medication.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Tuberculosis (TB): Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that affects the lungs, but it could also spread to other body parts such as kidneys, brain, spine, and bone marrow. Tuberculosis is caused by a bacteria named Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is a contagious disease that can spread to others through small droplets released into the air by a person suffering from tuberculosis. Symptoms include a cough that lasts for a few weeks, pain while coughing or with normal breathing, unexplained fatigue, fever, night sweats, loss of appetite and weight. People who smoke or consume alcohol, people diagnosed with HIV, and immune system problems are more likely at risk of developing active TB.
FAQs
Protionamide is an antibiotic that works by inhibiting the synthesis of mycolic acid (a saturated fatty acid found in the bacterial cell wall), thereby stopping the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall. Eventually, this leads to bacterial cell wall disruption. Prothionamide may have bacteriostatic or bactericidal in action. Prothionamide indicated in the treatment of active tuberculosis in patients with Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection resistant to rifampin or isoniazid.
Do not stop taking Protionamide despite symptomatic relief. Treat your condition effectually, continue taking Protionamide for as long as it has been prescribed for you.
Protionamide might affect vision rarely. It may cause blurred/decreased/double vision, colour blindness, or eye pain. Inform your doctor right away if notice/experience any of these serious side effects. Do not drive if you experience any of these symptoms.
No, you should not take Protionamide if you are diabetic as Protionamide may alter the glucose level. Close monitoring of glucose level is needed.
Protionamide might decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives (birth control pills). This could lead to an unplanned pregnancy. Instead, use a reliable barrier method of contraception such as condoms or the coil while taking Protionamide. Consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this; your doctor may suggest an alternate contraception method.