ethionamide + prothionamide

Ethionamide + prothionamide is a combination of two structurally related thioamides, both classified as second-line antimycobacterial agents. They are primarily used in the treatment of tuberculosis (TB), especially multidrug-resistant TB, and have also been studied for leprosy. Both drugs act by inhibiting mycolic acid synthesis, an essential component of the mycobacterial cell wall, thereby exerting bactericidal activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium leprae. Ethionamide and prothionamide are included in group C of the World Health Organization's recommended drugs for rifampicin-resistant and multidrug-resistant TB[5]. Clinical studies indicate that both agents are effective in reducing bacterial viability in leprosy patients[4].