Ethambutol

Antituberculosis Preps · Antibacterial

Indications

Prophylaxis and treatment of tuberculosis only in conjunction with other anti-tuberculosis drugs.

Dosage

Adults: Prophylaxis and treatment, 15 mg/kg daily as a single dose. Max 2.5 gm. Re-treatment, see literature. Children: Treatment, 25 mg/kg daily as a single dose for 60 days, then 15 mg/kg daily as a single dose. Prophylaxis, 15 mg/kg daily as a single dose. Max 2.5 gm. Mycobacterium avium complex with advanced HIV infection: Adults: 15 mg/kg ethambutol with 600 mg azithromycin daily.

Adverse Effects

Optic neuritis (related to dose and duration of treatment). Anaphylactoid reactions. Anorexia, nausea, vomiting, abdominal distress. Fever, malaise, headache, dizziness. Elevated serum uric acid level, interstitial nephritis, thrombocytopenia, visual impairment.

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Pregnancy: Risk cannot be ruled out. Lactation: Caution advised or effect undetermined. Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to ethambutol. Known optic neuritis. Precautions: Reduce dosage in patients with decreased renal functions. Not recommended in children under thirteen years age. Perform full ophthalmic examination before initiating treatment in adults.

Interactions

The effectiveness may be decreased when taking concomitantly with aluminium salts.

Advice to Patient

Take with meals. Take missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it is nearly time for the next dose. Do not take double dose. Contact prescriber if there is rash, fever, joint pain, changes in vision, numbness, tingling of extremities, persistent appetite loss or if there is no improvement within 3 weeks. Follow-up frequent eye examinations and medical check-ups as advised by prescriber.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Approx. 80%. Metabolism: Hepatic (20%). Half-life elimination: 2.5-3.6 hrs. End-stage renal disease: 7-15 hrs. Time to peak, serum: 2-4 hrs. Excretion: Urine (>50%). Faeces (approx. 20%).

Brands with this active ingredient

Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.