What is "ethionamide"

n. An antibiotic prodrug used in the treatment of tuberculosis.

Ethionamide ( INN) is an antibiotic used in the treatment of tuberculosis. It was discovered in 1956. It is sold under the brand name Trecator or Trecator SC by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals which was purchased by Pfizer in 2009.

Ethionamide is part of a group of drugs used in the treatment of drug resistant TB called thioamides. It is used as part of treatment regimens, generally involving 5 medicines, to treat MDR and XDR TB. Ethionamide is used as part of a South Africa’s standard regimen to treat MDR TB. It has been proposed for use in combination with gatifloxacin.

It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the most important medications need in a basic health system.