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Overview

Ethambutol

Prescription vs OTC : Prescription by Doctor required

About Ethambutol

Ethambutol is an antibiotic that is used in the treatment of Tuberculosis (TB). It functions by halting the growth of bacteria; TB cells which result in cell death. It is limited only to the treatment of antibacterial infections. Aside from Tuberculosis it is also used in the treatment of Mycobacterium avium complex and Mycobacterium kansasii. Overdosing on Ethambutol can cause serious health and eye problems primarily affecting the vision leading to sometimes irreparable vision loss.

Side-effects may include headache, stomach upset, nausea, loss of appetite, liver diseases, abdominal pain, few allergic reactions, etc. Ethambutol is ill-advised for use in children below the age of five years. In case symptoms persists contact your doctor immediately.

Do not use Ethambutol as part of your treatment if:

  • You are allergic to any of the ingredients contained within Ethambutol
  • You are already pregnant, or are planning to become pregnant soon or are breastfeeding.
  • You have any kind of food allergies.
  • You already have persisting kidney or liver problems.
  • You are under treatment with other kinds of medications even if it is herbal.
  • If you are taking any kind of dietary supplements.
  • If you have any kind of eye diseases.
Common ways by which you should take Ethambutol are through your mouth; either without food or along with it in case of any problems. But it is important that you take it at the same time with your food every day. However, in case you miss your daily dose, take it as soon as you realize it. In case you miss it entirely, do not by any means overdose on it the next day. This might lead to adverse effects. Do not take an antacid containing aluminum hydroxide within four hours of consuming Ethambutol.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Pulmonologist before using this medicine.

    What are the uses of Ethambutol

    • Tuberculosis

      Ethambutol is used in the treatment of tuberculosis which is a lung disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Pulmonologist before using this medicine.

    What are the contraindications of Ethambutol ?

    • Allergy

      Not recommended in patients with known allergy to Ethambutol.

    • Optic Neuritis

      Not recommended in patients any history of vision disorder or optic neuritis.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Pulmonologist before using this medicine.

    What are the side effects of Ethambutol ?

    • Chills

    • Pain And Swelling Of Joint

    • Loss Of Vision Or Blurred Vision

    • Fever

    • Burning Or Tingling Sensation Of Hands And Feet

    • Skin Rash

    • Abdominal Pain

    • Confusion

    • Headache

    • Loss Of Appetite

    • Nausea Or Vomiting

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Pulmonologist before using this medicine.

    Key highlights of Ethambutol

    • How long is the duration of effect?

      The effect of this medicine lasts for an average duration of 9 to 12 hours.

    • What is the onset of action?

      The effect of this medicine can be observed in 2 to 4 hours.

    • Are there any pregnancy warnings?

      This medicine is not recommended for use during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary. Consult your doctor about the potential benefits and risks before deciding to take this medicine.

    • Is it habit forming?

      No habit forming tendencies were reported.

    • Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

      This medicine is excreted through breastmilk. It is recommended for breastfeeding women only if clearly needed. The risk and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Pulmonologist before using this medicine.

    What are the dosage instructions?

    • Missed Dose instructions

      If you miss a dose of Ethambutol, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed dose.

    • Are there any overdose instructions?

      Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Pulmonologist before using this medicine.

    Where is the Ethambutol approved?

    • India

    • United States

    • Japan

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Pulmonologist before using this medicine.

    Medicines containing Ethambutol

    Below is the list of medicines, which contains Ethambutol as ingredient

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Pulmonologist before using this medicine.

    How does this medication work?

    Ethambutol is an antitubercular medicine. It works by inhibiting the enzyme arabinosyl transferase and stops mycobacterium cell wall synthesis by inhibiting the polymerization of arabinolgycan which is an essential component of cell wall synthesis.

      Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Pulmonologist before using this medicine.

      What are the interactions of Ethambutol ?

      Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.

        test
      • Interaction with Alcohol

        Alcohol

        Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
      • Interaction with Lab Test

        Lab

        Information not available.
      • Interaction with Medicine

        Cholera Vaccine

        If you have taken Ethambutol, then it is advisable to wait for 14 days before taking Cholera vaccine. Usage of other antibiotics and vaccines should be reported to the doctor.

        Atorvastatin

        These medicines may increase the risk of nerve damage if given together. Any symptoms of numbness, tingling or burning sensation in feet, hands should be informed to the doctor. An alternate medicine should be considered based on the clinical condition.

        Antacids

        The antacid preparations may decrease the absorption of Ethambutol. Inform your doctor if you are receiving any gastric medications. You are advised to maintain time gap of 4 hours between these two medications. Necessary dose adjustments are to be made if necessary.
      • Interaction with Disease

        Disease

        Information not available.
      • Interaction with Food

        Food

        Information not available.

      References

      • Ethambutol-Drug Information Portal [Internet].druginfo.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 3 June 2022].Available from:

        https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/ethambutol

      • Ethambutol-DrugBank Online [Internet].go.drugbank.com 2022 [Cited 3 June 2022].Available from:

        https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00330

      • ETHAMBUTOL Tablet,solution-DailyMed [Internet].dailymed.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 3 June 2022].Available from:

        https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/search.cfm?labeltype=all&query=ETHAMBUTOL

      Disclaimer : The information produced here is best of our knowledge and experience and we have tried our best to make it as accurate and up-to-date as possible, but we would like to request that it should not be treated as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.

      Lybrate is a medium to provide our audience with the common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. Even if there is no mention of a warning for any drug or combination, it never means that we are claiming that the drug or combination is safe for consumption without any proper consultation with an expert.

      Lybrate does not take responsibility for any aspect of medicines or treatments. If you have any doubts about your medication, we strongly recommend you to see a doctor immediately.
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      Written ByDrx Hina FirdousPhD (Pharmacology) Pursuing, M.Pharma (Pharmacology), B.Pharma - Certificate in Nutrition and Child CarePharmacology
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      Reviewed ByDr. Garima SharmaMBBS, Master in Healthcare Administration, Diploma in Occupational HealthGeneral Physician
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