Buy Trecator-SC
Trecator-SC

$3.66
Category
Antibiotics
Active Ingredient
Ethionamide
Delivery
Airmail (14-21 days) | EMS trackable (5-9 days)
Prescription
Issued on site / Included
Availability
In Stock
Product is shipped in a fully discreet envelope with no content disclosure, including all required documentation inside

Trecator-SC Properties

Active Ingredients
Ethionamide
Primary Category
Infection Treatment
Pharmacological Class
Thioamide
Indications
Tuberculosis
Contraindications
Severe Liver Disease
Minor Side Effects
Nausea , Vomiting , Loss of Appetite
Moderate Side Effects
Abdominal Pain , Diarrhea
Dosage Forms
Tablets
Administration Route
Oral
Mechanism of Action
Works by stopping the growth of bacteria that cause tuberculosis, helping the body fight off the infection.
Prescription Status
Rx
Manufacturer
Pfizer
Patient Summary
Used to treat tuberculosis, typically as part of a combination therapy with other medications.
Storage Instructions
Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat
Pregnancy Use
Consult doctor before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding

About Trecator-SC

Trecator-SC (Ethionamide) is a prescription medication used primarily to treat drug-resistant forms of tuberculosis. As a synthetic thiourea derivative, it interferes with the bacterial synthesis of mycolic acids, an essential component of the mycobacterial cell wall. In Singapore, it is available only by prescription and is classified as a second-line agent for infection treatment when first-line drugs are ineffective or contraindicated. The standard tablet strength is 250 mg, and the drug is taken orally in pill form.

Table of Contents

What is Generic Trecator-SC (Ethionamide)?

Generic Trecator-SC (Ethionamide) belongs to the class of anti-mycobacterial agents known as thioamides. It received regulatory approval from the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) of Singapore for the treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB). The formulation is a film-coated tablet containing 250 mg of the active ingredient ethionamide. As a generic product, it is bio-equivalent to the branded version marketed in other countries and offers a cost-effective alternative without compromising efficacy.

How Trecator-SC Works

Ethionamide is a pro-drug that requires activation by the bacterial enzyme EthA. Once activated, it binds to the enoyl-ACP reductase (InhA) in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, inhibiting the synthesis of mycolic acids-long-chain fatty acids that provide rigidity and impermeability to the mycobacterial cell wall. Blocking this pathway weakens the cell envelope, leading to bacterial death. Oral absorption is rapid, reaching peak plasma concentrations within 1-2 hours. The drug undergoes hepatic metabolism, primarily via oxidation, and has an elimination half-life of approximately 2-3 hours. Excretion occurs mainly in the urine as inactive metabolites.

Why Trecator-SC Is Used for Infection Treatment

  • Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) - Ethionamide is recommended when Mycobacterium tuberculosis shows resistance to isoniazid and rifampicin. Its unique mechanism complements other second-line agents, helping to construct an effective regimen.
  • Extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) - In cases where fluoroquinolones and injectable agents are also ineffective, ethionamide remains a vital oral option.
  • Adjunct to combination therapy - Guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO) place ethionamide in Group 4 of the MDR-TB drug classification, indicating its role as a core drug when susceptibility testing confirms activity.
  • Cost-efficiency - As a generic tablet, Trecator-SC provides the same therapeutic benefit as branded options at a lower price, facilitating broader access in resource-constrained settings.

Off-Label and Investigational Uses of Trecator-SC

Current peer-reviewed studies have explored ethionamide’s activity against non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) and certain rare skin infections, but these uses lack regulatory endorsement in Singapore. Off-label use should only be considered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider.

Is Trecator-SC Right for You?

Trecator-SC is most appropriate for adults diagnosed with MDR-TB or XDR-TB confirmed by drug-susceptibility testing. Clinicians may consider it for:

  • Patients who cannot tolerate first-line agents due to adverse reactions.
  • Individuals requiring an all-oral regimen to avoid injectable toxicity.
  • Cases where drug-interaction profiles favor ethionamide over alternative second-line drugs.

Special populations require careful assessment. Pregnant women should use the medication only if the potential benefit outweighs the risk, as animal data suggest teratogenicity. Elderly patients often have reduced hepatic reserve, necessitating liver function monitoring. Patients with moderate to severe hepatic impairment may need dose adjustments or alternative therapy.

Taking Trecator-SC Effectively

  • Timing: Take the tablet on an empty stomach, preferably one hour before or two hours after meals, to enhance absorption.
  • Food interactions: High-fat meals can delay absorption; a light snack is permissible if gastrointestinal upset occurs.
  • Missed dose: If a dose is missed within 12 hours, take it as soon as remembered; otherwise, skip and resume the regular schedule-do not double-dose.
  • Travel considerations: Carry a copy of the prescription and a letter from the treating physician, as ethionamide is a controlled medication in many jurisdictions.
  • Adherence: Because treatment spans 12-24 months, using a medication diary or smartphone reminder can improve compliance and reduce the risk of resistance development.

Understanding Side Effects and How to Manage Them

Ethionamide’s side-effect profile stems largely from its impact on hepatic metabolism and mitochondrial function.

  • Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain): Taking the tablet with a small amount of food or a probiotic-rich snack can alleviate symptoms.
  • Hepatotoxicity: Elevations in transaminases occur in up to 15 % of patients. Baseline liver function tests (LFTs) should be obtained, followed by monthly monitoring during the intensive phase and quarterly thereafter. Discontinue the drug if LFTs rise more than three times the upper limit of normal with symptoms.
  • Peripheral neuropathy: Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) supplementation at 25 mg daily is routinely prescribed to mitigate nerve damage.
  • Hypothyroidism: Periodic thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) assessments are advisable; levothyroxine can be introduced if hypothyroidism develops.
  • Neuropsychiatric effects (depression, psychosis): Prompt reporting of mood changes is essential. If severe, dose reduction or substitution with an alternative agent may be required.

Serious reactions such as severe rash, jaundice, or unexplained fever warrant immediate medical attention.

Buying Trecator-SC from Our Online Pharmacy

Why Choose Our Service?

Our online pharmacy bridges the gap for patients who face limited availability of second-line tuberculosis medications in local outlets. By partnering with licensed international suppliers, we ensure that you receive authentic, high-quality ethionamide tablets delivered discreetly to your doorstep.

Quality & Safety

We work exclusively with manufacturers that comply with WHO Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and hold recognized certifications from regulatory authorities. Every batch undergoes third-party verification to guarantee purity and potency.

Pricing & Access

Generic Trecator-SC is priced competitively, delivering up to 40 % savings compared with branded alternatives. New customers receive a lifetime 10 % discount on all reorders, making long-term therapy more affordable.

Discreet Delivery

Orders are packaged in neutral, tamper-evident containers. Express shipping typically arrives within 7 days, while standard delivery takes up to 3 weeks, all with full tracking.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the usual duration of ethionamide therapy for MDR-TB? Treatment generally spans 12 to 24 months, depending on the patient’s response and the susceptibility profile of the infecting strain.

  • Can I take ethionamide with other anti-TB drugs? Yes, it is designed to be part of a multidrug regimen. Your physician will adjust doses to mitigate drug-drug interactions, especially with cytochrome P450 substrates.

  • Does food affect the effectiveness of Trecator-SC? A high-fat meal can slow absorption, but a light snack does not significantly impact efficacy. Taking the tablet on an empty stomach is optimal.

  • Is there a risk of developing resistance to ethionamide? Incomplete adherence or premature discontinuation can foster resistance. Consistent dosing as prescribed is critical for preventing this outcome.

  • How often should liver function be monitored? Baseline testing is required, followed by monthly checks during the first two months and then every three months, or more frequently if abnormalities arise.

  • What should I do if I experience severe nausea? Contact your healthcare provider; they may suggest anti-emetic medication or a temporary dose reduction.

  • Are there any over-the-counter alternatives to ethionamide? No OTC products provide comparable anti-mycobacterial activity. Using non-prescribed substances can jeopardize treatment success.

  • Can ethionamide be used during pregnancy? It is classified as a Category C drug in Singapore; it should only be prescribed if the anticipated benefit justifies potential fetal risk.

  • Is pyridoxine supplementation necessary for everyone? Routine pyridoxine is recommended for all patients on ethionamide to reduce the likelihood of peripheral neuropathy.

  • How does ethionamide differ from isoniazid? While both inhibit mycolic acid synthesis, ethionamide is activated by a different bacterial enzyme and remains effective against strains resistant to isoniazid.

Glossary

Mycolic acids
Long-chain fatty acids unique to the cell wall of mycobacteria; essential for structural integrity and resistance to dehydration.
Pro-drug
An inactive compound that is metabolically converted into an active pharmacologic agent within the body.
Enoyl-ACP reductase (InhA)
An enzyme involved in the fatty-acid elongation step of mycolic acid synthesis; inhibition disrupts cell-wall formation.

Disclaimer

The information provided about Trecator-SC is for general knowledge only and does not replace professional medical consultation. All treatment decisions, including those regarding off-label use, should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to Trecator-SC for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription-based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication.

External Resources about Trecator-SC

Information Prepared By

Nawin Kittisak
Platform Manager & Website Administrator
Vikneswaran V Paranjothy
General Practitioner