About ethambutol
Antituberculosis antibiotic
Used for
- Treats tuberculosis as part of a combination regimen with other medicines.
Usual adult dose
Usually 15–25 mg/kg by mouth once daily, combined with other tuberculosis medicines.
Usual dose in children
Usually 15–25 mg/kg by mouth once daily, combined with other tuberculosis medicines; specialist dosing is required.
Common side effects
- Blurred vision or reduced visual sharpness
- Difficulty distinguishing red and green
- Nausea or stomach discomfort
- Joint pain or rash
Important warnings
- Can damage vision; eye checks are needed before and during treatment.
- Report any vision change promptly; the medicine may need to be stopped.
- Dose adjustment may be needed with kidney impairment.
- Use only with other tuberculosis medicines to reduce resistance.
Pregnancy
May be used during pregnancy when needed to treat tuberculosis; treatment decisions require a clinician.
Breastfeeding
Generally compatible with breastfeeding when used for tuberculosis treatment.
Interactions
- Aluminum-containing antacids can reduce absorption; separate doses by at least four hours.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.