Trecator-SC Side Effects

Generic name: ethionamide

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 23, 2025.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Trecator-SC Side Effects associated with ethionamide. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Trecator-SC.

Applies to ethionamide: oral tablet.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to take it. Blood tests will be needed to check for unwanted effects.

If your symptoms do not improve within 2 to 3 weeks, or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

Serious skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis can occur with this medicine. Check with your doctor right away if you or your child have black, tarry stools, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, chest pain, chills, cough, diarrhea, fever, itching, joint or muscle pain, painful or difficult urination, red irritated eyes, red skin lesions, often with a purple center, sore throat, sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips, swollen glands, unusual bleeding or bruising, or unusual tiredness or weakness.

Since this medicine may cause blurred vision or loss of vision, with or without eye pain, make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not able to see well.

Avoid taking alcohol while using this medicine.

Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before you have surgery or medical tests.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Common side effects of Trecator-SC

Some side effects of ethionamide may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Serious side effects of Trecator-SC

Along with its needed effects, ethionamide (the active ingredient contained in Trecator-SC) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking ethionamide:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to ethionamide: oral tablet.

General adverse events

The most commonly reported side effects included abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Adverse gastrointestinal effects (up to 50%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Abdominal pain, diarrhea, excessive salivation, gastrointestinal disturbances, nausea, stomatitis, vomiting^[Ref]

Approximately 50% of patients are unable to tolerate 1 gram (as a single dose).^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Common (1% to 10%): Anorexia, weight loss
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Pellagra-like syndrome
• Frequency not reported: Hypoglycemia^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Metallic taste
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Neurotoxic effects, peripheral neuritis
• Frequency not reported: Dizziness, drowsiness, headache^[Ref]

Ocular

• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Blurred vision, diplopia, optic neuritis^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Photosensitivity, rash
• Frequency not reported: Acne^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Purpura, thrombocytopenia^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Hypersensitivity reactions^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Frequency not reported: Hepatitis with/without jaundice, transient ALT increases, transient AST increases, transient serum bilirubin increases^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Frequency not reported: Mental depression, psychotic disturbances, restlessness^[Ref]

Endocrine

• Frequency not reported: Gynecomastia, hypothyroidism^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Frequency not reported: Postural hypotension^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Frequency not reported: Impotence^[Ref]

See also:

Further information

Trecator-SC side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer