Cycloserine: Chemical Structure, Mechanism of Action, Uses & Side effects

Chemical formula:

• C3H6N2O2

Structure of Cycloserine

Mechanism of action:

• Cycloserine is an analog of the amino acid D-alanine and inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by competitively inhibiting two enzymes involved in the formation of peptidoglycan: alanine racemase and D-alanyl-D-alanine ligase.

Uses:

• Cycloserine is used in combination with other antitubercular drugs for the treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB).

Side effects:

• Side effects can include central nervous system (CNS) toxicity (e.g., headache, dizziness, confusion, seizures), peripheral neuropathy, psychiatric disturbances (e.g., anxiety, depression), and gastrointestinal disturbances.