ETO in TB refers to Ethionamide, a medication used in the treatment of Tuberculosis (TB).
Ethionamide (Eto), sometimes grouped with Protionamide (Pto), belongs to the Carbothionamides class of drugs and is derived from Isonicotinic acid. It's used to combat TB.
Ethionamide: A Deeper Look
- Drug Class: Carbothionamides
- Mechanism of Action: Ethionamide weakly kills bacteria (bactericidal) by interfering with the synthesis of mycolic acid, a crucial component of the mycobacterial cell wall. This weakens and eventually destroys the bacteria.
- Activity Against TB: It is effective against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria that causes TB.
- Important Note: Due to potential side effects and the availability of other drugs, ethionamide is usually reserved for cases where the TB bacteria are resistant to first-line medications like isoniazid and rifampin (i.e., multidrug-resistant TB or MDR-TB).
In summary, Ethionamide (ETO) is an anti-tuberculosis drug that works by inhibiting mycolic acid synthesis in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily used in cases of drug-resistant TB.
