Sign inBefore taking cycloserine
Before taking cycloserine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
- If you have liver or kidney problems.
- If you drink excessive amounts of alcohol.
- If you have porphyria (a rare blood disorder).
- If you suffer from mental health problems such as psychosis, depression or severe anxiety.
- If you have epilepsy or any other condition that causes convulsions (fits).
- If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
How to take cycloserine
- Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
- Take cycloserine exactly as directed by your doctor.
- Try to take cycloserine at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
- If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember but do not take two doses at the same time to make up. If in doubt, speak to your pharmacist or doctor.
- Do not stop taking cycloserine without speaking to your doctor first. You must complete the course of cycloserine.
Getting the most from your treatment
- It is important to keep your appointments to check on your progress as you will probably need to have regular blood tests while you are taking this medicine.
- Do not drink alcohol while you are taking cycloserine capsules because they can cause drowsiness and dizziness, and drinking alcohol will increase these feelings.
- If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
- If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
Can cycloserine cause problems?
Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.
| Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine | What can I do if I experience this |
| Headache | Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable painkiller. Let your doctor know if the headache continues |
| Dizziness, vertigo (a spinning sensation), drowsiness | Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery, or doing any other things which would be dangerous if you were not fully alert |
| Shakiness, fits, confusion, changes in mood, skin rashes, and dermatitis | Let your doctor know if you experience any of these |
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
How to store cycloserine
- Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
|
References
- British National Formulary; 58th Edition (September 2009) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).