Cycloserine is primarily used for the treatment of which disease due to its toxicity?

Cycloserine is primarily used for the treatment of which disease due to its toxicity?

• A. Tuberculosis
• B. Pneumonia
• C. Gonorrhea
• D. Malaria

Answer: (A)

Cycloserine is a second-line anti-tuberculosis drug whose notable central nervous system toxicity limits its use. It works by inhibiting enzymes involved in peptidoglycan synthesis—D-alanine racemase and D-alanine ligase—disrupting bacterial cell wall formation. Because of its potential to cause serious CNS effects such as headache, confusion, agitation, psychosis, and seizures, it is reserved for tuberculosis, particularly multidrug-resistant TB, when safer first-line options aren’t effective. It’s not used for diseases like pneumonia, gonorrhea, or malaria due to its toxicity profile and limited efficacy in those infections. Dose and renal function need careful consideration since the drug is renally excreted, and monitoring is important to minimize neurotoxic risks.

Cycloserine is a second-line anti-tuberculosis drug whose notable central nervous system toxicity limits its use. It works by inhibiting enzymes involved in peptidoglycan synthesis—D-alanine racemase and D-alanine ligase—disrupting bacterial cell wall formation. Because of its potential to cause serious CNS effects such as headache, confusion, agitation, psychosis, and seizures, it is reserved for tuberculosis, particularly multidrug-resistant TB, when safer first-line options aren’t effective. It’s not used for diseases like pneumonia, gonorrhea, or malaria due to its toxicity profile and limited efficacy in those infections. Dose and renal function need careful consideration since the drug is renally excreted, and monitoring is important to minimize neurotoxic risks.