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, an 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 B12.23 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 (To view, roll mouse over the "References" heading; to hide, click on the heading)
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.
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 pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or
before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2009.
