General MedicinePrescription OnlyPregnancy Cat. Not classifiedFDA Yes
Cycloserine
CYCLOSERINE
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Cycloserine is indicated in the treatment of active pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis (including renal disease) when the causative organisms are susceptible to this drug and when treatment with the primary medications (streptomycin, isoniazid, rifampin, and ethambutol) has proved inadequate. Like all antituberculosis drugs, cycloserine should be administered in conjunction with other effective chemotherapy and not as the sole therapeutic agent. Cycloserine may be ef...
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Brand names:Cycloserine
Quick Reference
Medicine ClassGeneral Medicine
FDA ApprovedYes
PregnancyCategory Not classified
Quick Facts
- Active ingredient
- CYCLOSERINE
- Medicine class
- General Medicine
- Brand names
- Cycloserine
- Availability
- Prescription only (Rx)
- Pregnancy category
- Not classified
- FDA approved
- Yes
What Is Cycloserine?
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Cycloserine is indicated in the treatment of active pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis (including renal disease) when the causative organisms are susceptible to this drug and when treatment with the primary medications (streptomycin, isoniazid, rifampin, and ethambutol) has proved inadequate. Like all antituberculosis drugs, cycloserine should be administered in conjunction with other effective chemotherapy and not as the sole therapeutic agent. Cycloserine may be ef...
Cycloserine (CYCLOSERINE) belongs to the General Medicine class of medications. It was first approved by the FDA in Yes. This medication requires a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
Key Safety Information
- •Always follow the dose recommended by your healthcare professional. Taking more than prescribed increases the risk of side effects including serious complications.
- •Seek emergency care if you experience signs of an allergic reaction — hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, or rash. Stop the medication and call your doctor immediately.
- •Some medications can increase the risk of cardiovascular events. Tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure, a history of heart attack or stroke, or any pre-existing health condition.
- •Avoid or limit alcohol while taking Cycloserine. Do not drink alcohol without first discussing it with your healthcare provider as it may increase adverse effects.
- •Take Cycloserine with food or a full glass of water if stomach upset occurs. Stop use and talk to your doctor if you experience persistent stomach pain or GI symptoms.
- •Tell your doctor about all medications, supplements, and vitamins you take. Some combinations significantly increase the risk of harm.
This is a summary only. Always read the full prescribing information and consult your healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.
Uses & Indications
Cycloserine is prescribed for the following conditions. Some uses are FDA-approved indications; others may be evidence-based off-label uses. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Cycloserine is indicated in the treatment of active pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis (including renal disease) when the causative organisms are susceptible to this drug and when treatment with the primary medications (streptomycin, isoniazid, rifampin, and ethambutol) has proved inadequate.
Like all antituberculosis drugs, cycloserine should be administered in conjunction with other effective chemotherapy and not as the sole therapeutic agent.
Cycloserine may be effective in the treatment of acute urinary tract infections caused by susceptible strains of gram-positive and gram- negative bacteria.
Use of cycloserine in these infections should be considered only when more conventional therapy has failed and when the organism has been demonstrated to be susceptible to the drug
Dosage Guide
The following are general dosing guidelines only. Your actual dose should be determined by your healthcare provider based on your condition, renal/hepatic function, and other medications.
AD
Adult Dosage
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Cycloserine is effective orally and is currently administered only by this route. The usual dosage is 500 mg to 1 g daily in divided doses monitored by blood levels. 1 The initial adult dosage most frequently given is 250 mg twice daily at 12-hour intervals for the first 2 weeks. A daily dosage of 1 g should not be exceeded.
Available Forms
Available Strengths
Side Effects
Common
- ADVERSE REACTIONS Most adverse reactions occurring during therapy with cycloserine involve the nervous system or are manifestations of drug hypersensitivity.
- The following side effects have been observed in patients receiving cycloserine: Nervous system symptoms (which appear to be related to higher dosages of the drug, i.e., more than 500 mg daily) • Convulsions • Drowsiness and somnolence • Headache • Tremor • Dysarthria • Vertigo • Confusion and disorientation with loss of memory • Psychoses, possibly with suicidal tendencies • Character changes • Hyperirritability • Aggression • Paresis • Hyperreflexia • Paresthesia • Major & minor (localized) clonic seizures • Coma Cardiovascular: Sudden development of congestive heart failure in patients receiving 1 to 1.5 g of cycloserine daily has been reported.
- Allergy (apparently not related to dosage) Skin rash Miscellaneous: Elevated serum transaminase, especially in patients with preexisting liver disease To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Cerovene, Inc.
- at 1-833-304-9569 or FDA at 1‑800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Serious
- WARNINGS Administration of cycloserine should be discontinued or the dosage reduced if the patient develops allergic dermatitis or symptoms of CNS toxicity, such as convulsions, psychosis, somnolence, depression, confusion, hyperreflexia, headache, tremor, vertigo paresis, or dysarthria.
- The toxicity of cycloserine is closely related to excessive blood levels (above 30 mcg/mL), as determined by high dosage or inadequate renal clearance.
- The ratio of toxic dose to effective dose in tuberculosis is small.
- The risk of convulsions is increased in chronic alcoholics.
- Patients should be monitored by hematologic, renal excretion, blood level, and liver function studies.
Rare
Medicine Interactions
Always inform your healthcare provider and pharmacist about ALL medications you take, including prescriptions, OTC medicines, vitamins, and supplements.
MajorModerateMinor
Warnings & Contraindications
WARNINGS Administration of cycloserine should be discontinued or the dosage reduced if the patient develops allergic dermatitis or symptoms of CNS toxicity, such as convulsions, psychosis, somnolence, depression, confusion, hyperreflexia, headache, tremor, vertigo paresis, or dysarthria. The toxicity of cycloserine is closely related to excessive blood levels (above 30 mcg/mL), as determined by hi
How Cycloserine Works
Pharmacokinetics
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safety
Not classified
Breastfeeding
Many medications pass into breast milk in varying amounts. Before using Cycloserinewhile breastfeeding, discuss the benefits and risks with your healthcare provider or pharmacist — they can weigh your dose, your infant's age, and available lactation safety data to find the safest option for you and your baby.
Storage & Handling
Store at room temperature. Keep away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cycloserine side effects
Complete adverse effect profile including common, serious, and rare reactions
Sources & References
- • FDA Prescribing Information — Official labeling and package insert for Cycloserine
- • U.S. National Library of Medicine — MedlinePlus drug information
- • American Hospital Formulary Service (AHFS) — Clinical pharmacology monograph
- • PubMed / MEDLINE — View clinical studies
Last reviewed by MedCentralHub Medical Review Board · MedCentralHub Editorial Policy
Medical Disclaimer
The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist, or qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.