Ethambutol
Nontuberculous Mycobacterium Infections, Tuberculosis
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Drug Status
Government Approvals
US(FDA), UK(BNF)
WHO Essential Medicine
NO
Known Teratogen
NO
Pharmaceutical Class
Antimycobacterial
Controlled Drug Substance
NO
Ethambutol
Learn more about this medicine -
Click HereSummary
Ethambutol is used to treat and prevent tuberculosis, a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs.
Ethambutol works by preventing the growth of TB bacteria. It targets and eliminates these bacteria, thus preventing their spread to other parts of the body or to other people.
Ethambutol is typically administered orally once daily. The recommended adult dosage is 15 mg/kg daily for those without prior tuberculosis treatment and 25 mg/kg daily for those with prior treatment. After 60 days at 25 mg/kg, the dose is reduced to 15 mg/kg.
Common side effects of Ethambutol include vision changes, nausea, or joint pain. Rare but serious effects include optic neuritis (vision damage).
Avoid Ethambutol if you're allergic to it, have severe kidney disease, or pre-existing vision problems. Also, it's not recommended for children under 13. Always inform your doctor about your medical conditions.
Indications and Purpose
How does Ethambutol work?
Ethambutol works by diffusing into actively growing bacterial cells and inhibiting the synthesis of metabolites, which impairs cell metabolism, arrests multiplication, and leads to cell death. It is effective against Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
How does one know if Ethambutol is working?
The benefit of Ethambutol is evaluated through regular medical appointments and laboratory tests. Doctors monitor blood, kidney, and liver function, as well as conduct eye exams every 3-6 months to check for visual changes.
Is Ethambutol effective?
Ethambutol is effective against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is used in combination with other drugs to treat tuberculosis. It inhibits the synthesis of metabolites in bacteria, impairing cell metabolism and causing cell death. Its effectiveness is supported by clinical use and studies.
What is Ethambutol?
Ethambutol is used to treat tuberculosis by eliminating certain bacteria that cause the disease. It works by inhibiting the synthesis of metabolites in bacteria, impairing their cell metabolism, and causing cell death. It is usually used in combination with other antituberculous drugs.
What is Ethambutol used for?
Ethambutol is indicated for the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis. It should be used in combination with other antituberculous drugs to prevent the development of resistant strains and ensure effective treatment.
Directions for Use
For how long do I take Ethambutol?
Ethambutol is typically used until bacteriological conversion has become permanent and maximal clinical improvement has occurred. The exact duration can vary based on individual response and the specific treatment regimen prescribed by a doctor.
How do I dispose of Ethambutol?
If you can, bring unused medicines to a drug take-back program or collection site at a pharmacy or hospital. They will dispose of this medicine properly so they don't harm people or the environment. If you can't find a take-back program, you can throw most medicines in the trash at home. But first, take them out of their original containers, mix them with something undesirable like used coffee grounds, seal the mixture in a plastic bag and throw it away.
How do I take Ethambutol?
Ethambutol should be taken once daily, preferably in the morning. It can be taken with food to minimize stomach upset. Avoid taking it with antacids containing aluminum hydroxide within 4 hours of administration to ensure proper absorption.
How long does it take for Ethambutol to start working?
Ethambutol starts working within a few days, but it may take several weeks to achieve its full therapeutic effect. The time it takes to work can vary based on individual factors like the severity of the infection and the patient's overall health. It's important to follow your healthcare provider's instructions and complete the full course of treatment to ensure the infection is fully treated and to prevent resistance.
How should I store Ethambutol?
Store Ethambutol in its original container, tightly closed, at room temperature away from excess heat and moisture. Keep it out of reach of children. Do not store it in the bathroom. Dispose of unneeded medication through a take-back program.
What is the usual dose of Ethambutol?
For adults, the usual daily dose of Ethambutol is 15-25 mg/kg of body weight, taken as a single dose. For children, the dosage is similar, but Ethambutol is not recommended for those under 13 years of age due to insufficient safety data. Always follow your doctor's specific dosage instructions.
Warnings and Precautions
Can Ethambutol be taken safely while breastfeeding?
Ethambutol is excreted into breast milk. It should be used during breastfeeding only if the expected benefit to the mother outweighs the potential risk to the infant. Consult your doctor for personalized advice.
Can Ethambutol be taken safely while pregnant?
Ethambutol should be used during pregnancy only if the benefits justify the potential risks to the fetus. There are reports of ophthalmic abnormalities in infants born to women on Ethambutol therapy, but no adequate human studies confirm fetal harm. Consult your doctor for advice.
Can I take Ethambutol with other prescription drugs?
Ethambutol's absorption may be reduced by antacids containing aluminum hydroxide. It's recommended to avoid taking these antacids within 4 hours of Ethambutol. Always inform your doctor of all medications you are taking to avoid interactions.
Can I take Ethambutol with vitamins or supplements?
There are no well-documented confirmed interactions between Ethambutol and vitamins or supplements. There is no known need for supplementation due to Ethambutol use. However, it's always important to inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and conditions before starting Ethambutol. This helps ensure there are no unexpected interactions and that your treatment is safe and effective.
Does Ethambutol have adverse effects?
Adverse effects are unwanted or harmful effects caused by a medicine. Ethambutol can cause adverse effects like vision changes, joint pain, skin rash, nausea, and loss of appetite. Vision changes are rare but serious and need immediate medical attention. If you notice any new symptoms, it's important to talk to your healthcare provider before stopping the medicine. They can help determine if the symptoms are related to Ethambutol and advise on the best course of action.
Does Ethambutol have any safety warnings?
Ethambutol has safety warnings, particularly regarding vision changes. It can cause optic neuritis, which is an inflammation of the optic nerve leading to vision problems. Symptoms to watch for include blurred vision, changes in color vision, or loss of vision. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. Regular eye exams are recommended while taking Ethambutol to catch any issues early. Always follow your doctor's advice and report any new symptoms.
Is Ethambutol addictive?
Ethambutol is not addictive and has no known potential for dependence. It does not cause physical or psychological dependence, so there are no behaviors or warning signs to watch for in terms of addiction. You can take Ethambutol as prescribed by your doctor without worrying about addiction. Always follow your healthcare provider's instructions and complete the full course of treatment to ensure the infection is fully treated.
Is Ethambutol safe for the elderly?
There is limited data on Ethambutol use in the elderly, but no significant differences in safety or tolerability have been observed compared to younger adults. However, older adults may be more sensitive to the drug, so careful monitoring is advised.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Ethambutol?
Most people tolerate Ethambutol well, and occasional alcoholic drinks should not affect the way this medicine works. There are no well-established interactions between Ethambutol and alcohol that would interfere with the medicine's effectiveness or cause harm. However, it's always wise to consume alcohol in moderation and discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider to ensure your treatment is as effective as possible.
Is it safe to exercise while taking Ethambutol?
Ethambutol does not specifically limit the ability to exercise. However, if you experience side effects like dizziness or visual changes, it may be wise to avoid strenuous activities until you consult your doctor.
Is it safe to stop Ethambutol?
Ethambutol is used to treat infections, specifically tuberculosis. Stopping it suddenly can lead to the infection not being fully treated, which can cause the bacteria to become resistant to the medication. This can make the infection harder to treat in the future. There are no known withdrawal symptoms, but it's crucial to complete the full course as prescribed. Always consult your doctor before stopping Ethambutol to ensure it's safe to do so.
What are the most common side effects of Ethambutol?
A side effect is an unwanted reaction to a medicine. Common side effects of Ethambutol include vision changes, joint pain, skin rash, nausea, and loss of appetite. These side effects are not very common and may be temporary. It's important to remember that new symptoms can occur when starting any new medicine and may not be related to the medicine itself. Always talk to your healthcare provider before stopping Ethambutol to ensure it's safe to do so.
Who should avoid taking Ethambutol?
Ethambutol is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the drug and those with optic neuritis unless deemed necessary by a doctor. It may cause visual changes, including irreversible blindness, and liver toxicity. Regular eye exams and liver function tests are recommended.
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