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Description
Indications
Ethambutol is an antibiotic that targets and eliminates specific bacteria responsible for causing tuberculosis (TB). It is typically administered in combination with other medications to effectively treat tuberculosis and to prevent the transmission of the infection to others.
Uses and Dosage
Take this medication orally, with or without food, following the guidance of your doctor, usually once daily. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe this medication to be taken twice weekly. Adhere to the prescribed instructions precisely. The dosage is determined based on factors such as your age, weight, medical condition, and response to treatment.
If you are also using antacids containing aluminum, ensure that you take this medication at least 4 hours before the antacid.
For optimal effectiveness, take this antibiotic at consistent intervals. To aid in remembering, take the medication at the same time(s) every day.
Continue taking this medication, along with any other prescribed TB medications, until you complete the full prescribed course, even if your symptoms improve. Ceasing the medication prematurely or skipping doses may lead to a recurrence of the infection and could make it more challenging to treat (resistant).
Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- loss of appetite
- upset stomach
- vomiting
- numbness and tingling in the hands or feet
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- blurred vision
- inability to see the colors red and green
- sudden changes in vision
- skin rash
- itching
Caution
- Before taking ethambutol, inform your doctor or pharmacist about any allergies you may have to this medication or other substances, as it may contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or other complications.
- Prior to using this medication, disclose your medical history to your doctor or pharmacist, particularly if you have had eye problems such as optic neuritis, cataracts, or diabetic retinopathy, as well as a history of liver disease, kidney disease, or issues related to alcohol use.
- Ethambutol may impact the effectiveness of live bacterial vaccines (e.g., typhoid vaccine). Inform your healthcare professional about your use of ethambutol before undergoing any immunizations or vaccinations.
- Avoid alcohol consumption while using this medication, as alcohol may increase the risk of liver disease.
- During pregnancy, use this medication only if absolutely necessary. Discuss the associated risks and benefits with your doctor.
- While this medication does pass into breast milk, it is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. However, if you have HIV, there is a risk of transmitting the virus through breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding to make an informed decision based on your specific circumstances.
Form and Strength
Myambutol is available in the following forms and strengths:
- Myambutol tablet:
- 100 mg
- 400 mg
- ethambutol tablet:
- 400 mg
FAQ
How long should you take Myambutol for?
To help clear up your tuberculosis (TB) completely, it is very important that you keep taking this medicine for the full time of treatment, even if you begin to feel better after a few weeks. You may have to take it every day for as long as 1 to 2 years or more.
Can Myambutol cause blindness?
Myambutol can cause poor vision, which can potentially lead to blindness if not caught in time. Because it affects vision, Myambutol is not recommended in people who already have problems such as cataracts, eye nerve inflammation (optic neuritis), or poor vision due to diabetes.
Resources
- https://www.everydayhealth.com/drugs/ethambutol#:~:text=What%20drugs%20and%20food%20should,your%20body%20to%20absorb%20ethambutol
- https://www.goodrx.com/ethambutol/what-is#faqs
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/ethambutol-oral-route/description/drg-20063728
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-9340/myambutol-oral/details
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682550.html
- https://www.drugs.com/mtm/myambutol.html
