Brand Name(s): D-cycloserin, D-cycloserine, Seromycin

Generic Name Cycloserine

What are cycloserine capsules?

CYCLOSERINE (Seromycin^®) is an antibiotic. Cycloserine kills or interferes with the growth of bacteria that cause tuberculosis. It is usually reserved for patients with tuberculosis who have been unsuccessfully treated with other medicines. Generic cycloserine capsules are not yet available.

What should my health care professional know before I take cycloserine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• an alcohol problem
• anxiety
• depression
• kidney disease
• mental illness
• seizures (convulsions)
• an unusual or allergic reaction to cycloserine, other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take cycloserine capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow capsules whole with a full glass of water. You can take cycloserine with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional even if you think your condition is better. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with cycloserine?

• alcohol
• ethionamide
• isoniazid, INH
• pyridoxine, vitamin B₆

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from taking cycloserine?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• anxiety
• confusion,
• depression
• dizziness, drowsiness
• irritability, nervousness, possible suicidal thoughts
• loss of balance
• muscle twitches or trembling
• nightmares, speech problems
• numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
• seizures (convulsions)
• skin rash

Call your prescriber or health care professional as soon as you can if you get can of these side effects.

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• headache
• tiredness

What should I watch for while taking cycloserine?

Tell your prescriber or health care professional as soon as you can if you feel depressed or have thoughts about suicide. You may need to change your medicine.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how cycloserine affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient.

Alcohol can make you more drowsy and dizzy and increase the possibility of seizures. Avoid alcoholic drinks while you are taking cycloserine. Remember that non-prescription medicines, especially some cough medicines contain alcohol.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 °C (59 and 86 °F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.