Prothionamide is an antibiotic used to treat drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB), a serious bacterial infection that mainly affects the lungs. It belongs to a class of medicines called thioamides.
Prothionamide is commonly used for:
• Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB): Used alongside other anti-TB medicines when the bacteria no longer respond to standard first-line treatment.
• Extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB): Forms part of combination therapy for TB that resists multiple classes of antibiotics.
• Drug-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis: Helps control bacterial growth in the lungs when combined with other anti-tubercular medicines.
Nausea and vomiting
Loss of appetite
Metallic taste in the mouth
Drowsiness
Numbness or tingling sensation in hands and feet
Prothionamide works by inhibiting the production of essential components of the bacterial cell wall, which stops the infection from spreading.
Prothionamide is a thioamide antibiotic. It blocks the production of mycolic acids, which are essential building blocks of the cell wall in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria that causes TB. Without a strong cell wall, the bacteria become unable to survive and multiply, which helps treat the infection.
Prothionamide is usually given together with other anti-tubercular medicines to prevent the bacteria from developing further resistance.

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BAMS, FMC, MD Resident
Prothionamide is available in tablet form. These tablets are intended for oral administration.
This medicine is meant for adults and children over 12 years of age.
This medicine is contraindicated in patients with severe liver disease or acute liver failure.
It is also contraindicated in patients with pre-existing liver impairment.
This combination may interact with other anti-tuberculosis medications (such as isoniazid), antibiotics (like cycloserine), thyroid medications (such as thyroxine), and gastrointestinal agents (sucralfate).
If you miss a dose of Prothionamide, take it as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one.
Most side effects are temporary and generally harmless and resolve when discontinuing this medicine. However, if you experience any severe side effects or worsening of any of the symptoms, please consult your doctor.
To manage gastrointestinal disturbances like nausea or vomiting, try taking Prothionamide with food.
A metallic taste in the mouth may be lessened by rinsing your mouth after taking the medication.
Prothionamide may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if you experience these symptoms after taking this medicine.
Prothionamide is not recommended during pregnancy unless needed due to potential risks to the fetus.
It is advisable to avoid breastfeeding while taking this medicine as it enters breast milk.
Patients with diabetes should monitor their blood glucose levels closely as Prothionamide may lower blood sugar levels.
Those with a history of psychiatric conditions should also exercise caution due to the potential for psychiatric effects from Prothionamide.
Patients taking Prothionamide should regularly monitor their liver function through blood tests, as liver health can be adversely affected by this medication.
It is advisable to limit alcohol consumption because alcohol can increase the risk of liver toxicity when taking Prothionamide.
Maintaining adequate hydration can help manage some side effects such as nausea or dizziness.
Since tuberculosis is a contagious disease, adhering strictly to your prescribed medication regimen is crucial not only for your health but also to prevent the spread of infection to others.
Frequently asked questions
No, Prothionamide is not a steroid. It belongs to a class of medications known as thioamides, which are antibacterial medicines primarily used to manage tuberculosis.
Although drowsiness is a common side effect of Prothionamide, it does not typically alter the sleep cycle. However, if you experience extreme fatigue or drowsiness, it is crucial to consult with your doctor.
There is no definitive scientific evidence suggesting that Prothionamide directly affects fertility in men or women. However, if you are planning to conceive and are on Prothionamide medication, you should discuss this with your doctor.
There are no specific diet restrictions while taking Prothionamide. However, it is recommended to take the medicine with food to minimise gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea and vomiting.
Yes, it is safe to take Prothionamide daily as prescribed by your doctor. It is important to follow the prescribed dosage and schedule for optimal management of tuberculosis.
Prothionamide begins working soon after oral administration by inhibiting the synthesis of mycolic acids in the bacteria causing tuberculosis. However, as it is usually part of a long-term treatment regimen for medication-resistant TB, visible improvement in symptoms may take several weeks.
The best time to take Prothionamide will be prescribed by your doctor.

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