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What does it do?

Cycloserine is used to treat tuberculosis.

Before you start

  • Tell your doctor if you have kidney or mental health problems, or if you have ever had a seizure.
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

How should you take it?

Take cycloserine regularly as directed with a glass of water.
Keep taking cycloserine until the course is finished, even when you start to feel better.

What if you forget a dose?

If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Otherwise, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not take two doses at the same time. If you often forget to take cycloserine, your tuberculosis may not be fully treated.

Can you take other medicines?

Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines or treatments that you may be taking, including vitamins, herbal products or recreational drugs.

What side effects might you notice?

Side EffectsRecommended action

Seizures

Tell your doctor immediately

Unusual behaviour or thinking, confusion

Tremor

Headache, dizziness, drowsiness

Tell your doctor

If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

Other information:

  • Limit alcohol intake while you are taking cycloserine. Alcohol can increase the chances of side effects like seizures, drowsiness and dizziness.
  • Your doctor may prescribe pyridoxine (vitamin B6) to help prevent side effects of cycloserine.
  • You will need regular blood tests while taking cycloserine to check how well your kidneys are working.
  • Do not stop taking cycloserine without talking to your doctor first.
  • Cycloserine is not registered for use in New Zealand. Discuss with your doctor.

This leaflet contains important, but not all, information about this medicine.

Prepared by the MyMedicines Committee at Christchurch Hospital, Te Whatu Ora - Waitaha, New Zealand. March 2023

For more general information about this sheet and its contents, see: What does a My Medicines sheet cover?

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About My Medicines

My Medicines Patient Information Leaflets (PILs) contain important, but not all, information about the medicines they describe.

For more information about the sheets, see: What does a My Medicines sheet cover?

My Medicines is developed by a team at Te Whatu Ora – Waitaha. Our team is made up of doctors, pharmacists, and a non-medical person to help us keep to plain language. We also discuss our information with specialist health professionals or groups when needed