Ethambutol hydrochloride

Ethambutol hydrochloride is an approved anti-mycobacterial antibiotic used in combination with other drugs for treating tuberculosis. It is also being tested in combination with other drugs as a treatment for Mycobacterium avium intracellulare (MAI). It comes in tablets.

Ethambutol’s side-effects can include inflammation of the optic nerve, decreased or distorted vision, rash and fever. People who develop sight abnormalities while taking ethambutol should stop taking the drug immediately and contact their doctor urgently.

Ethambutol does not interact with any currently available protease inhibitors or non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs). However, HIV-positive patients with tuberculosis may have levels of ethambutol that are lower than expected.1 Monitoring drug levels in the blood is advised.

Ethambutol is manufactured by Lederle under the trade names Myambutol and Mynah.

References

  1. Perlman DC et al. The clinical pharmacokinetics of rifampin and ethambutol in HIV-infected persons with tuberculosis. Clin Infect Dis 41: 1638-1647, 2005

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This content was checked for accuracy at the time it was written. It may have been superseded by more recent developments. NAM recommends checking whether this is the most current information when making decisions that may affect your health.

NAM’s information is intended to support, rather than replace, consultation with a healthcare professional. Talk to your doctor or another member of your healthcare team for advice tailored to your situation.