Cycloserine

Also indexed as: Seromycin®

Cycloserine is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat tuberculosis. It is used rarely for treating noninfectious diseases.

Summary of Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
In some cases, a herb or supplement may appear in more than one category, which may seem contradictory. For clarification, read the full article for details about the summarized interactions.

May be Beneficial: Depletion or interference—The medication may deplete or interfere with the absorption or function of the nutrient. Taking these nutrients may help replenish them.	Calcium* Folic acid* Magnesium* Vitamin B12* Vitamin B6* Vitamin K
Side effect reduction/prevention	None known
Supportive interaction	None known
Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability	None known
Adverse interaction	None known

An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.

Interactions with Dietary Supplements

Calcium and Magnesium
Cycloserine may interfere with calcium and magnesium absorption.¹ The clinical significance of these interactions is unclear.

Folic acid, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12
Cycloserine may interfere with the absorption and/or activity of folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12.² ³ The clinical importance of this interaction is unclear.

Vitamin K
Many antibiotics taken by mouth, including cycloserine, may kill friendly bacteria in the large intestine that produce vitamin K.⁴ With short-term (a few weeks or less) antibiotic use, the actions on vitamin K are usually mild and cause no problems. After antibiotic therapy is completed, vitamin K activity returns to normal.

Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds

Alcohol
Cycloserine may cause drowsiness.⁵ Alcohol may intensify this drowsiness and increase the risk of accidents during activities requiring alertness. Seizures are a possible side effect of cycloserine therapy. Alcohol consumed during cycloserine therapy may increase the risk of seizures.⁶ People should avoid alcohol-containing products during cycloserine therapy.

References
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1. Holt GA. Food & Drug Interactions. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 86.

2. Roe D, Campbell T, eds. Drugs and Nutrients: The Interactive Effects. New York: Marcel Decker, 1984, 288–9, 505–23.

3. Holt GA. Food & Drug Interactions. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 86.

4. Holt GA. Food & Drug Interactions. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 86.

5. Threlkeld DS, ed. Anti-Infectives, Antituberculosis Drugs, Cycloserine. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, Mar 1990, 394–5.

6. Holt GA. Food & Drug Interactions. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 85.

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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or chemist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires March 2007.

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Interactions with Dietary Supplements

Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds