Ethambutol is an antibiotic drug to treat tuberculosis (TB). This drug cannot be used to treat diseases caused by viral infections, such as the flu.
Ethambutol works by stopping the growth of the bacteria that causes tuberculosis. In the treatment of tuberculosis, this drug is combined with other drugs, such as isoniazid, pyrazinamide, or rifampicin.
Ethambutol trademark: Arsitam, Bacbutinh, Bacbutinh Forte, Bacbutol 500, Erabutol Plus, Ethambutol, Ethambutol HCL, Kalbutol, Lilung 500, Meditam-6, Metham, Pro TB 4, Pulna Forte, Rifastar, Rizatol, Santibi, Santibi Plus, Tibigon, Tibitol
What is Ethambutol
| Drug Type | Antibiotics, antituberculosis |
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Benefit | Treating tuberculosis |
| Consumed by | Children and adults |
| Ethambutol for pregnant and lactating women | Category C:Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. The drug should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Ethambutol can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Tablets and caplets |
Warning Before Taking Ethambutol
Ethambutol should not be taken carelessly. The following are some things you should pay attention to before taking ethambutol:
- Do not take ethambutol if you are allergic to this drug. Always tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
- Tell your doctor if you have or are suffering from alcoholism, kidney disease, gout, liver disease, or vision problems, such as diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, or optic neuritis.
- Do not consume alcohol while undergoing treatment with ethambutol, because it can increase the risk of side effects.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking ethambutol before getting vaccinated, as it can reduce the effectiveness of live vaccines.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- See your doctor right away if you have an overdose, serious side effect, or allergic reaction to any medication after using ethambutol.
Dosage and Rules for Use of Ethambutol
Treatment of tuberculosis takes at least 6 months. In general, to treat tuberculosis, ethambutol will be combined with other antibiotics. The following is the dose of ethambutol based on the patient's age:
- Mature: 15 mg/kg body weight once a day. If treatment needs to be repeated, the dose will be increased to 25 mg/kg once daily for 60 days. After that, the dose can be reduced to 15 mg/kgBW. The maximum dose is 1,600 mg per day.
- Children: 25 mg/kg once daily for 60 days. The dose can be reduced to 15 mg/kg once a day if the patient's condition improves.
How to Use Ethambutol Correctly
Always follow the doctor's advice and read the information on the medicine package before taking ethambutol.
In general, the doctor will explain that the doctor will explain two ways of treatment using ethambutol, namely consumption every day or 2 times a week. The patient's dose and treatment is determined based on the condition, age, weight, body's response to the drug, and the presence of other treatments.
Ethambutol is taken after meals. Swallow ethambutol using water. If you take ethambutol every day, take this medication at the same time each day for more effective treatment.
Make sure you always take ethambutol regularly according to the dose given. If you forget to take ethambutol, take the missed dose immediately if the interval between the next consumption is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
Tell your doctor if you frequently forget to take this medication. Do not stop using this medicine even if you feel better. Treatment of tuberculosis must be consistent and in accordance with the duration given by the doctor so that treatment is more effective.
Store ethambutol in a closed container, at room temperature, in a dry place, and away from sunlight. Keep ethambutol out of reach of children.
Ethambutol Interactions with Other Drugs
The following are some of the effects of interactions that may occur if ethambutol is used together with other medicines:
- Increases the risk of serious side effects of ethambutol, such as vision loss, when used with vigabatrin
- Increased risk of liver dysfunction if used with leflunomide, lomitapide, mipomersen, pexdartinib, or teriflunomide
- Reduces the effectiveness of the BCG vaccine, cholera vaccine, or typhoid vaccine
- Reduces absorption of ethambutol when used with antacids containing aluminum hydroxide
Side Effects and Dangers of Ethambutol
Some of the side effects that can occur after taking ethambutol include:
- Nauseous
- Throw up
- Dizzy
- Stomach ache
- Joint pain
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
Check with your doctor if these side effects don't get better or get worse. You should also see a doctor immediately if you experience an allergic drug reaction or serious side effects, such as:
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Chest pain or shortness of breath
- Decreased urine or difficulty urinating
- Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
- Cough with fever or difficulty breathing
- Liver disorders that can be characterized by jaundice
In addition to these serious side effects, ethambutol can also cause serious side effects in the form of visual disturbances. Immediately see a doctor if you experience the following symptoms:
- Suddenly blind
- Blind on one side or in both eyes for 1 hour or more
- Color blind
- Blurred vision or difficulty focusing vision
- Eyes are more sensitive to light
- Eyes hurt when moved
- Pain behind the eye