Antituberculosis Drugs: Side effects

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More about Antituberculosis Drugs: Definition Purpose Recommended dosage Precautions Side effects Interactions Resources

In some people, this medicine causes depression and thoughts of suicide. If this happens, check with a physician immediately. Switching to another medicine will usually stop these troubling thoughts and feelings. Also let the physician know immediately about any other mood or mental changes; such as nervousness, nightmares, anxiety, confusion, or irritability; and about symptoms such as muscle twitches, convulsions, or speech problems.

Headache is a common side effect that usually goes away as the body adjusts to this medicine. This problem does not need medical attention unless it continues or it interferes with everyday life.

This medicine may cause eye pain or vision changes, including loss of vision or changes in color vision. Check with a physician immediately if any of these problems develop.

In addition, anyone who has any of these symptoms while taking ethambutol should check with a physician immediately:

• painful or swollen joints, especially in the knee, ankle, or big toe
• a tight, hot sensation in the skin over painful or swollen joints
• chills Other side effects may occur but do not need medical attention unless they are bothersome or they do not go away as the body adjusts to the medicine. These include: headache, confusion, nausea and vomiting, stomach pain, and loss of appetite.

Check with a physician immediately if eye pain, blurred vision, or other vision changes occur while taking this medicine.

Symptoms such as unsteadiness, clumsiness and pain, numbness, tingling, or burning in the hands or feet could be the first signs of nerve problems that may become more serious. If any of these symptoms occur, check with a physician immediately. Other side effects that should be brought to a physician's attention immediately include yellow eyes or skin and mood or mental changes such as depression or confusion.

Less serious side effects such as dizziness, nausea or vomiting, appetite loss, sore mouth, or metallic taste may also occur. These problems usually go away as the body adjusts to the medicine. They do not need medical attention unless they continue or they interfere with normal activities.

This medicine may cause serious liver damage, especially in people over 40 years of age. However, taking medicine for tuberculosis is very important for people with the disease. Anyone who has tuberculosis and has been advised to take this drug should thoroughly discuss treatment options with his or her physician.

Recognizing the early signs of liver and nerve damage can help prevent the problems from getting worse. If any of these symptoms occur, check with a physician immediately:

• unusual tiredness or weakness
• clumsiness or unsteadiness
• pain, numbness, tingling, or burning in the hands and feet
• loss of appetite
• vomiting

This medicine may also cause less serious side effects such as diarrhea and stomach pain. These usually go away as the body adjusts to the medicine and do not need medical attention unless they continue.

If eye pain, blurred vision, or other vision changes occur while taking this medicine, check with a physician immediately.

Check with a physician immediately if pain in the joints occurs.

Check with a physician immediately if a skin rash occurs.

Nausea and vomiting are other possible side effects of this medicine. These problems usually go away as the body adjusts to the medicine. If they do not, check with a physician.

Stop taking rifampin and check with a physician immediately if any of the following symptoms occur. These symptoms could be early signs of problems that may become more serious. Getting prompt medical attention could prevent them from getting worse.

• unusual tiredness or weakness
• nausea or vomiting
• loss of appetite

In addition, anyone who has any of these symptoms while taking rifampin should check with a physician immediately:

• breathing problems
• fever
• chills
• shivering
• headache
• dizziness
• itching
• skin rash or redness
• muscle and bone pain

Other side effects, such as diarrhea and stomach pain, may occur with this medicine, but should go away as the body adjusts to the drug. Medical treatment is not necessary unless these problems continue.

Other side effects may occur with any antituberculosis drug. Anyone who has unusual symptoms while taking an antituberculosis drug should get in touch with his or her physician.

— Nancy Ross-Flanigan