Drug Name

Myambutol (Ethambutol)

Drug Uses

Myambutol is used to treat tuberculosis, often in combination with other medications. Tuberculosis is a very serious infection and requires a combination of antibiotics to cure the infection.

How Taken

This works best when taken with food or milk to prevent stomach upset. Take as directed. Do not stop taking this medication without your doctor's approval. Stopping therapy too early may result in ineffective treatment. Treatment usually lasts for several months.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Ethambutol (Myambutol) is an oral chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment and cure of tuberculosis. Ethambutol enters growing tubercular bacterial cells, and interferes with their growth and multiplication. Ethambutol is not used alone, but always in combination with another medicine that treats tuberculosis.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.

Warnings/Precautions

Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: gout, kidney disease, vision problems such as cataracts. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. There have been reports of eye problems in infants born to mothers using myambutol. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Myambutol passes into breast milk. Though, to date, no problems have been noted in nursing infants, consult your doctor before you breast-feed.

Possible Side Effects

May cause stomach upset, dizziness, fatigue, or headache. These effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication. If they persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop: skin rash, numbness or tingling of the hands or feet. Infrequently, eye problems can occur (optic neuritis). Tell your doctor immediately if you have any vision changes, sudden color blindness, or blurred vision. Very rarely, permanent blindness has occurred. Rare (possibly fatal) liver disease may occur. Tell your doctor immediately if you have persistent, severe nausea, vomiting, dark urine, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

More Information

Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory/medical tests (e.g., eye exams, liver function) should be performed periodically to monitor for drug side effects. Tell your eye doctor you are taking this medication.