Ethambutol

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Molecule Description

Ethambutol belongs to a group of antitubercular medicine used to prevent infectious tuberculosis disease which mainly affects the lungs.

Uses

It is used to treat tuberculosis infections along with other medicines.

Contraindications

When should one not use Ethambutol

Do not take this medicine if you have any allergic reaction to this medicine, also if you have any eye problems do not take this medicine unless your doctor suggest you.

Side effects

Common side effects of this drug are:

Difficulty in breathing
Blurred vision, eye pain
Swelling of face, eyes, lips
Skin rash, itching
Wheezing
Irregular heartbeat
Lower back pain

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

It is not safe to take this medicine if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy. Consult with your doctor before taking this medicine.

Breast Feeding

It is not safe to use during breastfeeding as the studies suggest that this medication poses a risk to infants when used during breastfeeding.

Driving

This medicine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Do not drive until you feel well.

Alcohol

Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking this medicine as it may increase the risk of liver infection.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

You have problems with your eyesight
You have any kidney problems

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

This medicine inhibits Arabinosyl Transferase which is involved in cell wall biosynthesis. By inhibiting this enzyme, the bacterial cell wall complex production of tuberculosis bacterium is inhibited. This leads to an increase in cell wall permeability and makes the bacterium easily prone to damage. It thus works by stopping new growth of TB cells which results in cell death.

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

It has significant interactions with medicines such as Leflunomide, Teriflunomide, BCG and Cholera Vaccine, Lomitapide, Mipomersen, Vigabatrin, etc. It has moderate interactions with numerous medicines too. Do not take this medicine without doctor’s advice.

Interactions with food items

No specific food interactions have been reported yet.

Dietary Restrictions

No information is available on dietary restrictions while you are taking Ethambutol, consult your doctor or pharmacist for further information.

Dosage

Overdose

Overdose is associated with liver toxicity and exaggeration of the known side effects on the eye. If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, seek emergency medical attention.

Missed a Dose

Take the missed dose as early as possible. Skip the missed dose & do not take extra medicine to compensate for the missed dose.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to it. Inform the doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:Gouty arthritis—Ethambutol may cause or worsen the gout attacksKidney disease—Patients with kidney problems are more likely to have side effectsOptic neuritis (eye nerve damage)Ethambutol may cause or worsen eye disease

Take this medicine after having food at the same time each day along with a glass of water (preferably taken with breakfast every morning).

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