Cycloserine

How does Cycloserine work?

Cycloserine fights bacterial infections by stopping bacteria from building their protective walls. This works against some types of bacteria (gram-positive and gram-negative). After you take it by mouth, it's quickly absorbed into your bloodstream, reaching its highest level in 4-8 hours. Most of it (about 65%) leaves your body through your urine within 3 days, with the most leaving in the first 2-6 hours. Half is gone within 12 hours. The rest is changed into other substances we don't fully understand yet. Gram-positive and gram-negative refer to different types of bacteria based on their cell wall structure.

Is Cycloserine effective?

Cycloserine is an antibiotic that fights bacteria by stopping them from building their cell walls. This makes it effective against many types of bacteria, including those that cause tuberculosis (TB), a serious lung infection. "Gram-positive" and "gram-negative" refer to different types of bacteria's cell wall structure; cycloserine works against both. "In vitro" means in a lab setting, while "clinically" means in real patients. Although cycloserine works well against TB in both lab tests and real-world treatment, it's crucial to use it *with* other TB medications. Using it alone isn't effective enough and can lead to the bacteria developing resistance (becoming immune to the drug). Therefore, cycloserine is always part of a combination therapy for TB.

What is Cycloserine?

Cycloserine is an antibiotic that fights many types of bacteria. It's taken by mouth and works quickly, reaching its highest level in the blood within 4-8 hours. A typical dose is 250 milligrams twice a day, keeping the medicine's level in the blood at a safe amount. People with kidney problems may need a different dose. Taking too much (over 500 milligrams daily) can cause nervous system problems. *Antibiotic* means a medicine that kills bacteria. *mcg/mL* stands for micrograms per milliliter, a way to measure how much medicine is in a certain amount of blood.

For how long do I take Cycloserine?

The duration of cycloserine treatment varies based on the condition being treated but typically continues until the infection is resolved, often requiring several months of therapy 

How do I take Cycloserine?

Cycloserine should be taken orally, typically with or without food, but it is advisable to maintain consistency in how it is taken. Patients should avoid alcohol during treatment as it can increase the risk of side effects 

How long does it take for Cycloserine to start working?

Cycloserine reaches peak blood levels within 4 to 8 hours after oral administration, but the time it takes to see clinical improvement can vary depending on the infection and individual patient response

How should I store Cycloserine?

Store cycloserine capsules at controlled room temperature between 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F)

What is the usual dose of Cycloserine?

• Adults: The typical dosage is 500 mg to 1 g daily, divided into two doses, with an initial dose of 250 mg twice daily for the first two weeks 1.
• Children: Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established; therefore, specific dosing guidelines are not provided.

Can Cycloserine be taken safely while breastfeeding?

Cycloserine is a medicine that can harm breastfeeding babies. If a mother needs to take cycloserine, she and her doctor must decide whether to stop breastfeeding or stop taking the medicine. This decision depends on how important the medicine is for the mother's health. Since cycloserine can cause serious side effects in infants, stopping breastfeeding is often the safer choice if the mother doesn't need the medicine urgently. The doctor will weigh the risks and benefits for both the mother and the baby to make the best decision.

Can Cycloserine be taken safely while pregnant?

Cycloserine use during pregnancy is only advised if the benefits for the mother clearly outweigh any potential harm to the unborn baby. We don't have enough good research on how cycloserine affects pregnant women. Pregnant women should discuss cycloserine use with their doctor to carefully weigh the risks and benefits in their individual situation. 

Can I take Cycloserine with other prescription drugs?

This information describes potential side effects when taking isoniazid, ethionamide, and cycloserine. These are all medicines used to treat tuberculosis (TB). **Isoniazid:** Can make you feel dizzy or sleepy. Your doctor may need to adjust your dose if this happens. **Ethionamide:** Taking it with other drugs that affect the nervous system (like some TB medications) can worsen nerve problems. **Cycloserine:** Don't drink alcohol, especially if you're taking a high dose of this medicine. Alcohol can make its side effects worse. **Important Note:** This is simplified information. Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about your medications. They can explain potential side effects and interactions in more detail and help you manage them safely. "CNS" refers to the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). Neurotoxic means toxic to the nerves.

Is Cycloserine safe for the elderly?

Elderly patients may be at higher risk for renal impairment; therefore, cautious dosing and regular monitoring are recommended

Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Cycloserine?

Cycloserine and alcohol shouldn't be mixed, especially if you're taking a high dose of cycloserine. Alcohol raises the chances of seizures (epileptic episodes), a sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain that can cause convulsions and loss of consciousness. This risk is significantly higher when alcohol is combined with cycloserine. Therefore, it's crucial to avoid alcohol entirely while taking cycloserine, or to strictly follow your doctor's instructions regarding alcohol consumption. If you experience any unusual symptoms, like convulsions or fits, seek immediate medical attention.

Is it safe to exercise while taking Cycloserine?

Cycloserine's effect on exercise isn't directly studied. However, high doses (over 500mg daily) can cause side effects that might make exercise difficult. These side effects include drowsiness (sleepiness), headache, shaking (tremor), slurred speech (dysarthria), and dizziness (vertigo). Essentially, feeling sleepy, dizzy, or shaky could make it hard to exercise effectively. Because the impact on exercise isn't directly known, it's best to discuss any concerns with a doctor before starting or changing an exercise routine while taking cycloserine.

Who should avoid taking Cycloserine?

Cycloserine is a medicine with several precautions. Don't take it if you're allergic, have epilepsy (seizures), serious mental health issues (anxiety or psychosis), poor kidney function, or drink too much alcohol. If you develop a skin rash (allergic dermatitis), or nervous system problems (like seizures, feeling confused or depressed, sleepiness, tremors, dizziness, muscle weakness, slurred speech, or muscle spasms – all signs of CNS toxicity), stop or reduce your dose immediately. High levels of cycloserine in your blood can cause toxicity. This is more likely with high doses or if your kidneys aren't working well. Older people, whose kidneys often don't work as well, need their dose carefully adjusted and their kidney function checked regularly.