What  is ethambutol? 

Ethambutol is an antibiotic. It prevents growth of the tuberculous bacteria in the body. 

Ethambutol is used to treat tuberculosis (TB). 

Ethambutol may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide. 

What  is the most important information I should know about ethambutol? 

Take all of the ethambutol that has been  prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may begin to improve before the infection is completely treated. 

Call  your doctor immediately if you experience changes in vision (e.g., blurring, red-green color blindness)  or a rash. 

What  should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ethambutol? 

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have 

• ever had an allergic reaction to ethambutol; 
• cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, or optic neuritis; or 
• kidney disease. 

You may not be able  to take ethambutol, or you may require  a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of  the conditions listed above. 

It is not known whether ethambutol will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to  your doctor if  you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is also  not known whether ethambutol will be harmful to a nursing baby.  Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. 

How should I  take ethambutol? 

Take ethambutol exactly as directed  by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. 

Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. 

Ethambutol can be taken with or without food. Taking ethambutol with food may decrease stomach upset. 

Take all of the ethambutol that has been prescribed  for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may begin to improve before the infection is completely treated. 

Ethambutol is usually combined with one or more other tuberculosis medicines. 

Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat. 

What happens if I miss a dose? 

Take  the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it  is almost time for  the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose  of this medication.

What happens if I overdose? 

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected. 

Symptoms  of an ethambutol overdose are unknown. 

What should I avoid while taking ethambutol? 

There are no restrictions on foods, beverages, or activities during treatment with ethambutol unless otherwise directed by your doctor. 

Ethambutol side effects 

• If you experience any of  the following serious side effects, stop taking ethambutol  and seek emergency medical attention or contact  your doctor immediately: 
• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); 
• vision changes (e.g., blurring, red-green color blindness); 
• a rash; 
• numbness or tingling in your fingers, toes, hands, or feet; 
• confusion, disorientation, or hallucinations; or 
• fever.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take ethambutol and talk to your doctor if you experience
stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or decreased appetite; 

• headache;
• mild dizziness; 
• worsening gout; or 
• joint pain. 

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA. 

Notes: FCbinderMD

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EditText of this page (last edited April 21, 2010)