Myambutol, Ethambutol
Ethambutol (e THAM byoo tole) is a generic medication prescribed with other drugs for a serious infection called tuberculosis (TB). It’s used for this purpose in adults and some children. Ethambutol belongs to a group of drugs called antibiotics.
Ethambutol (e THAM byoo tole) is a generic medication prescribed with other drugs for a serious infection called tuberculosis (TB). It’s used for this purpose in adults and some children. Ethambutol belongs to a group of drugs called antibiotics.
- Brand
- • Tablet
- • 400mg
- • 60 Tablets
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Intro
Introduction
Written by Ashley Wong, PharmD
Medically reviewed by Christina Bookwalter PharmD, MS MEd, BCPS, BCACP
Updated on November 15, 2023
Ethambutol (e THAM byoo tole) is a generic medication prescribed with other drugs for a serious infection called tuberculosis (TB). It’s used for this purpose in adults and some children. Ethambutol belongs to a group of drugs called antibiotics.
Side effects
Side effects of ethambutol
Ethambutol may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of ethambutol and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.
To learn more about ethambutol’s side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to the prescribing information for ethambutol listed in the “Resources” section.
Mild side effects
More common mild side effects reported with some forms of ethambutol are listed below.
This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about ethambutol’s side effects, refer to the prescribing information for ethambutol listed in the “Resources” section.
With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.
Ethambutol oral tablet’s mild side effects include:
- skin irritation, itchiness, or rash
- joint pain
- loss of appetite
- upset stomach
- mild allergic reaction*
* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for ethambutol” section.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects of ethambutol are listed below.
This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about ethambutol’s side effects based on the form, refer to the prescribing information for ethambutol listed in the “Resources” section.
With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.
In general, ethambutol’s serious side effects include:
- vision changes, including blindness
- confusion
- hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t real)
- liver problems
- exfoliative dermatitis
- lung problems
- kidney problems
- heart problems
- severe allergic reaction*
* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for ethambutol” section.
FAQ
Common questions about ethambutol
Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about ethambutol.
How does ethambutol work? And how long does it take to start working?
Ethambutol helps treat tuberculosis (TB) by stopping the bacteria from making materials they need for growth and transmission. This mechanism of action stops bacteria from growing.
Ethambutol starts to work right away after you take your first dose. But it can take 6–9 months for the drug to cure TB. Even if you start to feel better, it is important that you continue to take ethambutol until your doctor says it is safe to stop. Stopping ethambutol treatment early can cause your TB to worsen, come back, or develop resistance to antibiotics.
If you’d like to know more about this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
What brand names are available for ethambutol?
The brand-name version of ethambutol is Myambutol. A generic medication is an identical copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. (An active drug is the ingredient that makes a medication work.) Generic drugs are believed to be as effective and safe as brand-name drugs. And generic drugs typically cost less compared to brand-name drugs.
If you have more questions about this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Uses
Uses of ethambutol
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as ethambutol for certain conditions. The approved use for ethambutol is described below.
Use for tuberculosis
Doctors may prescribe ethambutol for treating tuberculosis (TB). It’s used for this purpose in adults and children ages 13 years and older. It’s usually prescribed with other antibiotics for 6–9 months.
TB is a serious infection caused by bacteria. It mainly affects the lungs. But it can also affect other parts of the body, including the spine, brain, and kidneys. Common symptoms of TB include cough, coughing up blood or phlegm, chest pain, weakness, fever, and fatigue (low energy).
There are two types of TB infections, and each requires different treatment. These include:
- Active TB: You have symptoms of TB, and you can pass on the infection.
- Latent TB: You don’t have any symptoms of TB, and you can not transmit the infection. But you can develop active TB later, especially if your immune system becomes weak.
Ethambutol is prescribed together with multiple other antibiotics to treat TB. Examples include rifampin, isoniazid, and pyrazinamide.
Interactions and warnings
Interactions and warnings for ethambutol
Below, you’ll find information about ethambutol’s possible interactions and warnings.
Interactions of ethambutol
Certain things may affect how a drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.
Before you take ethambutol, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:
- prescription or over-the-counter drugs
- vitamins, herbs, or supplements
To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for ethambutol” section below.
Warnings for ethambutol
Some people should not take ethambutol, and others should take it cautiously.
Ethambutol could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether ethambutol is a safe option for you.
Ask your doctor about specific warnings for ethambutol, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:
- current health, including any allergies to medications
- past health conditions or surgeries
Allergic reaction
Ethambutol can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.
If you’ve had an allergic reaction to ethambutol or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe ethambutol. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.
A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
- swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
- swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems
If you have an allergic reaction to ethambutol, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.
Overdose of ethambutol
You should not take more ethambutol than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to harmful effects or overdose.
If you think you’ve taken too much ethambutol, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding and ethambutol
Information about ethambutol and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.
Ethambutol and pregnancy
There are risks to taking ethambutol during pregnancy. But there are also risks with having untreated tuberculosis (TB) while pregnant. (Keep in mind that ethambutol is prescribed for treating TB.)
If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about TB treatment options during pregnancy. Together, you can discuss the risks and benefits of your treatment options and decide whether or not you should take ethambutol during pregnancy.
Ethambutol and breastfeeding
There are risks to taking ethambutol while breastfeeding. But there are also risks with having untreated TB during this time. (Keep in mind that ethambutol is used for treating TB.)
If you’re planning to breastfeed, talk with your doctor about TB treatment options. Together, you can discuss the risks and benefits of your treatment options and decide whether or not you should take ethambutol during this time. Your doctor may recommend other healthy ways to feed your child.
Ask your doctor
What to ask your doctor
Let your doctor know if you have questions about ethambutol or would like more details about it.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Are there any drug interactions I should avoid while taking ethambutol?
- Which other medications would you prescribe with ethambutol?
- How long do I need to take ethambutol?
- How can I lower my risk of side effects from ethambutol?
Article resources
Resources
- Ethambutol hydrochloride tablets. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/c12b3482-55f0-4324-bdcd-b129ca2dae73/spl-doc
- Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm
- Treatment for TB disease. (2023). https://www.cdc.gov/tb/topic/treatment/tbdisease.htm
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
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