Skip to main content

Can you take Ethionamide with Interferon alfa-2b?

1 drug interaction and 27 additional warnings found for the following 2 drugs:

Add/remove drugs

Drug interactions

Moderate drug interactions

Moderate:

ethionamide interferon alfa-2b

Applies to: ethionamide and interferon alfa-2b

Using ethionamide together with interferon alfa-2b may increase the risk of nerve damage, which is a potential side effect of both medications.

Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Your doctor may be able to prescribe alternatives that do not interact, or you may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring to safely use both medications.

Let your doctor know if you develop weakness, numbness, pain, burning, or tingling in your hands, feet, or limbs.

It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Food/lifestyle interactions

Major food/lifestyle interactions

Major:

ethionamide Alcohol (Ethanol)

Applies to: ethionamide

Talk to your doctor before using ethanol (alcohol) (alcohol) together with ethionamide.

Excessive consumption of alcohol with ethionamide may increase the risk of psychotic reactions such as:

  • hallucinations
  • abnormal thinking
  • personality changes

Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Disease interactions

26 potential interactions Applies to: 19 conditions, including Depression, Underactive Thyroid, Heart Failure, Seizures, and Peripheral Neuropathy.

Alcoholism

Major:

ethionamide

Ethionamide has a major potential interaction with Alcoholism.

Peripheral neuropathy has been associated with the use of ethionamide, but much less frequently than with isoniazid, a structurally related agent. Therapy with ethionamide should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting peripheral neuropathy or risk factors for developing the condition, such as malnutrition, diabetes, and alcoholism. Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) at a dosage of 25 to 50 mg/day has been recommended to prevent or attenuate isoniazid-related peripheral neuropathy and may be considered for patients receiving ethionamide.

Major:

ethionamide

Ethionamide has a major potential interaction with Alcoholism.

The use of ethionamide is contraindicated in patients with severe liver damage. Like many other antituberculous agents, ethionamide is hepatotoxic. Transient elevations in bilirubin and serum SGOT (AST) and SGPT (ALT) have been reported in 5% of the patients treated with ethionamide. Hepatitis, with or without jaundice, has also been observed, particularly in patients with diabetes mellitus. Therapy with ethionamide should be administered cautiously in patients with liver disease, a history of alcoholism, or diabetes. Liver function tests should be measured at baseline and monthly during therapy, and ethionamide withdrawn at the first signs or symptoms suggestive of liver damage.

Arrhythmia

Major:

interferon alfa-2b

Interferon alfa-2b has a major potential interaction with Arrhythmia.

Hypertension, arrhythmias, angina, myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy, and congestive heart failure have been reported during interferon therapy. Therapy with interferons should be administered with caution in patients with compromised cardiac function.

Autoimmune Disorders

Major:

interferon alfa-2b

Interferon alfa-2b has a major potential interaction with Autoimmune Disorders.

Antiviral interferons may exacerbate autoimmune disorders such as myositis, thyroiditis, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, or autoimmune hepatitis. Therapy should be avoided or administered with extreme caution in patients with autoimmune disorders.

Bone Marrow Depression/Low Blood Counts

Moderate:

interferon alfa-2b

Interferon alfa-2b has a moderate potential interaction with Bone Marrow Depression/Low Blood Counts.

Interferons (alfa and gamma) induce a dose-dependent, generally mild, myelosuppression. Leukopenia is the primary manifestation. Thrombocytopenia and anemia occur less frequently. Therapy with interferons (alfa and gamma) should be administered cautiously to patients with bone marrow suppression. Clinical monitoring of hematopoietic function is recommended.

Cardiovascular Conditions and Disorders

Major:

interferon alfa-2b

Interferon alfa-2b has a major potential interaction with Cardiovascular Conditions and Disorders.

Hypertension, arrhythmias, angina, myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy, and congestive heart failure have been reported during interferon therapy. Therapy with interferons should be administered with caution in patients with compromised cardiac function.

Depression

Major:

interferon alfa-2b

Interferon alfa-2b has a major potential interaction with Depression.

Interferons (alfa or beta) can induce depression and suicidal behavior. Suicidal attempts and suicides have been reported. Therapy with interferons (alfa or beta) should be administered cautiously to patients with or predisposed to mental depression. Clinical monitoring of psychological status is recommended.

Diabetes Mellitus

Major:

ethionamide

Ethionamide has a major potential interaction with Diabetes Mellitus.

Peripheral neuropathy has been associated with the use of ethionamide, but much less frequently than with isoniazid, a structurally related agent. Therapy with ethionamide should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting peripheral neuropathy or risk factors for developing the condition, such as malnutrition, diabetes, and alcoholism. Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) at a dosage of 25 to 50 mg/day has been recommended to prevent or attenuate isoniazid-related peripheral neuropathy and may be considered for patients receiving ethionamide.

Major:

ethionamide

Ethionamide has a major potential interaction with Diabetes Mellitus.

The use of ethionamide is contraindicated in patients with severe liver damage. Like many other antituberculous agents, ethionamide is hepatotoxic. Transient elevations in bilirubin and serum SGOT (AST) and SGPT (ALT) have been reported in 5% of the patients treated with ethionamide. Hepatitis, with or without jaundice, has also been observed, particularly in patients with diabetes mellitus. Therapy with ethionamide should be administered cautiously in patients with liver disease, a history of alcoholism, or diabetes. Liver function tests should be measured at baseline and monthly during therapy, and ethionamide withdrawn at the first signs or symptoms suggestive of liver damage.

Moderate:

ethionamide

Ethionamide has a moderate potential interaction with Diabetes Mellitus.

The use of ethionamide has occasionally been associated with poor diabetic control. Patients with diabetes mellitus should be monitored more closely during therapy with ethionamide, and their antidiabetic regimen adjusted accordingly.

Moderate:

interferon alfa-2b

Interferon alfa-2b has a moderate potential interaction with Diabetes Mellitus.

Flu-like symptoms frequently associated with interferon-alfa therapy can precipitate ketoacidosis in diabetic patients. Therapy with interferon alfa should be administered cautiously in patients with diabetes mellitus. Clinical monitoring of blood glucose concentrations and anti-diabetic therapy is recommended.

Heart Failure

Major:

interferon alfa-2b

Interferon alfa-2b has a major potential interaction with Heart Failure.

Hypertension, arrhythmias, angina, myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy, and congestive heart failure have been reported during interferon therapy. Therapy with interferons should be administered with caution in patients with compromised cardiac function.

Hyperthyroidism

Major:

interferon alfa-2b

Interferon alfa-2b has a major potential interaction with Hyperthyroidism.

Thyroid abnormalities, hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, have been reported in patients administered interferons. Therapy with interferons should be administered cautiously to patients with thyroid dysfunction. If thyroid control cannot be maintained within normal limits with medication, interferon-alfa should be discontinued. Clinical monitoring of thyroid function is recommended.

Ischemic Heart Disease

Major:

interferon alfa-2b

Interferon alfa-2b has a major potential interaction with Ischemic Heart Disease.

Hypertension, arrhythmias, angina, myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy, and congestive heart failure have been reported during interferon therapy. Therapy with interferons should be administered with caution in patients with compromised cardiac function.

Liver Disease

Major:

ethionamide

Ethionamide has a major potential interaction with Liver Disease.

The use of ethionamide is contraindicated in patients with severe liver damage. Like many other antituberculous agents, ethionamide is hepatotoxic. Transient elevations in bilirubin and serum SGOT (AST) and SGPT (ALT) have been reported in 5% of the patients treated with ethionamide. Hepatitis, with or without jaundice, has also been observed, particularly in patients with diabetes mellitus. Therapy with ethionamide should be administered cautiously in patients with liver disease, a history of alcoholism, or diabetes. Liver function tests should be measured at baseline and monthly during therapy, and ethionamide withdrawn at the first signs or symptoms suggestive of liver damage.

Major:

ethionamide

Ethionamide has a major potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Ethionamide is primarily metabolized by the liver. Patients with liver disease may be at greater risk for adverse effects from ethionamide due to decreased drug clearance. Dosage reductions are recommended in these patients.

Major:

interferon alfa-2b

Interferon alfa-2b has a major potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Hepatotoxicity, including fatal cases, has been reported in patients treated with interferon alpha. Additionally, the risk of hepatic decompensation and death is increased in patients with cirrhosis. Any patient developing liver function abnormalities during treatment should be monitored closely and treatment should be discontinued if appropriate. Interferon-alfa is contraindicated in patients with autoimmune hepatitis and decompensated liver disease.

Malnourishment

Major:

ethionamide

Ethionamide has a major potential interaction with Malnourishment.

Peripheral neuropathy has been associated with the use of ethionamide, but much less frequently than with isoniazid, a structurally related agent. Therapy with ethionamide should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting peripheral neuropathy or risk factors for developing the condition, such as malnutrition, diabetes, and alcoholism. Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) at a dosage of 25 to 50 mg/day has been recommended to prevent or attenuate isoniazid-related peripheral neuropathy and may be considered for patients receiving ethionamide.

Parkinsonism

Major:

interferon alfa-2b

Interferon alfa-2b has a major potential interaction with Parkinsonism.

Reversible CNS effects such as seizures, mental status changes, manic behavior or psychotic reactions, gait disturbances, and dizziness have occurred in patients receiving interferons. Therapy with interferons should be administered cautiously in patients with or predisposed to seizures, psychiatric disorders, or conditions affecting posture or gait.

Peripheral Neuropathy

Major:

ethionamide

Ethionamide has a major potential interaction with Peripheral Neuropathy.

Peripheral neuropathy has been associated with the use of ethionamide, but much less frequently than with isoniazid, a structurally related agent. Therapy with ethionamide should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting peripheral neuropathy or risk factors for developing the condition, such as malnutrition, diabetes, and alcoholism. Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) at a dosage of 25 to 50 mg/day has been recommended to prevent or attenuate isoniazid-related peripheral neuropathy and may be considered for patients receiving ethionamide.

Moderate:

interferon alfa-2b

Interferon alfa-2b has a moderate potential interaction with Peripheral Neuropathy.

Paresthesia and numbness have been reported during interferon therapy. Therapy with interferons should be administered cautiously in patients with or predisposed to peripheral neuropathy.

Psychosis

Major:

interferon alfa-2b

Interferon alfa-2b has a major potential interaction with Psychosis.

Reversible CNS effects such as seizures, mental status changes, manic behavior or psychotic reactions, gait disturbances, and dizziness have occurred in patients receiving interferons. Therapy with interferons should be administered cautiously in patients with or predisposed to seizures, psychiatric disorders, or conditions affecting posture or gait.

Renal Dysfunction

Major:

interferon alfa-2b

Interferon alfa-2b has a major potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

Proteinuria (rare), not associated with a decrease in serum protein, is the most common renal toxicity observed with interferon- alfa therapy. Increased BUN and serum creatinine levels, hematuria, acute renal failure and nephrotic syndrome have also been reported. Therapy with interferon alfa should be administered cautiously to patients with severe renal dysfunction. Renal function should be evaluated in all patients before initiation of interferon- alfa therapy. In addition, patients with any degree of renal impairment should be carefully monitored for laboratory abnormalities and decreased creatinine clearance. A reduced dose of medication is recommended in patients with low CrCl (less than 50 mL/min - 30 mL/min).

Seizures

Major:

interferon alfa-2b

Interferon alfa-2b has a major potential interaction with Seizures.

Reversible CNS effects such as seizures, mental status changes, manic behavior or psychotic reactions, gait disturbances, and dizziness have occurred in patients receiving interferons. Therapy with interferons should be administered cautiously in patients with or predisposed to seizures, psychiatric disorders, or conditions affecting posture or gait.

Ulcerative Colitis

Moderate:

interferon alfa-2b

Interferon alfa-2b has a moderate potential interaction with Ulcerative Colitis.

Fatal and nonfatal ulcerative or hemorrhagic/ischemic colitis have been observed within 12 weeks of the start of alpha interferon treatment. Abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, and fever are the typical manifestations. Treatment should be discontinued immediately in patients who develop these signs and symptoms. The colitis usually resolves within 1 to 3 weeks of discontinuation of alpha interferons.

Underactive Thyroid

Major:

interferon alfa-2b

Interferon alfa-2b has a major potential interaction with Underactive Thyroid.

Thyroid abnormalities, hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, have been reported in patients administered interferons. Therapy with interferons should be administered cautiously to patients with thyroid dysfunction. If thyroid control cannot be maintained within normal limits with medication, interferon-alfa should be discontinued. Clinical monitoring of thyroid function is recommended.

More resources

ethionamide

A total of 187 drugs are known to interact with ethionamide.

interferon alfa-2b

A total of 272 drugs are known to interact with interferon alfa-2b.

Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.