Ethambutol
(Ethambutol)Ethambutol Overview
Ethambutol is used with other medications to treat tuberculosis (TB). Ethambutol is an antibiotic and works by stopping the growth of bacteria. This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (such as common cold, flu). Using any antibiotic when it is not needed can cause it to not work for future infections.
How to Use Ethambutol
Take Ethambutol by mouth with or without food, usually once daily or as directed by your doctor. Ethambutol may sometimes be taken twice weekly. Take Ethambutol exactly as directed by your doctor. If you also take antacids that contain aluminum, take Ethambutol at least 4 hours before the antacid. The Dosage of Ethambutol is based on your age, weight, medical condition, and response to treatment. For the best effect, take this antibiotic at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take Ethambutol at the same time(s) every day. Continue to take Ethambutol (and other TB medications) until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear. Stopping the medication too early or skipping doses may allow the bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a return of the infection and cause the infection to be more difficult to treat (resistant). Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.
Ethambutol Precautions
Before taking ethambutol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. Ethambutol may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using Ethambutol, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,eye problems (such as optic neuritis, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy), liver disease, kidney disease, alcohol use. Ethambutol may cause live bacterial vaccines (such as typhoid vaccine) to not work well. Tell your health care professional that you are using ethambutol before having any immunizations/vaccinations. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Alcohol may increase the risk of liver disease. Avoid alcoholic beverages while using Ethambutol. During pregnancy, Ethambutol should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Ethambutol passes into breast milk but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. If you have HIV disease, do not breast-feed because breast milk can transmit HIV.
Ethambutol Misdose
It is important to take each dose of Ethambutol as scheduled. If you miss a dose of Ethambutol, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Ethambutol Interactions
See also How to Use section. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Ethambutol Side Effects
Headache, loss of appetite, upset stomach, or nausea/vomiting may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that Ethambutol has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using Ethambutol do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects,vision changes (such as blurred/decreased vision, color blindness), symptoms of liver disease (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, unusual tiredness/weakness, severe stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine), numbness/tingling of arms/legs, toe/joint pain, mental/mood disorders (such as confusion, hallucinations), signs of a new infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever), easy bleeding/bruising. A very serious allergic reaction to Ethambutol is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction,rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Ethambutol Storage
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard Ethambutol when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
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