Myambutol

Myambutol (Ethambutol)

General information

Myambutol is an antibiotic and works by stopping the growth of bacteria. It is used with other medications to treat tuberculosis. This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (such as common cold, flu). This drug may also be used with other medications to help treat a certain serious infection (Mycobacterium avium complex-MAC). It may also be used with other medications to prevent the MAC infection from occurring again in people with advanced HIV disease.

Directions

Take Myambutol exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Take each dose by mouth with a full glass of water, usually once daily. This medication may sometimes be taken twice weekly. It can be taken with or without food. Taking ethambutol with food may decrease stomach upset. Myambutol is usually combined with one or more other tuberculosis medicines. If you also take antacids that contain aluminum, take this medication at least 4 hours before the antacid.

Precautions

Before taking Myambutol you should talk with your doctor if you have cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, optic neuritis, liver disease, kidney disease. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Alcohol may increase the risk of liver disease. Do not drive or perform tasks that require alertness.

Contraindications

Do not take Myambutol if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or allergic to ethambutol.

Possible side effect

Get emergency medical help if you have headache, loss of appetite, upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, vision changes, blurred vision, unusual tiredness, weakness, abdominal pain, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, numbness, joint pain, mental or mood disorders, hallucinations, disorientation, confusion, sore throat, easy bleeding, rash, itching, swelling of the face, tongue, throat, trouble breathing, worsening gout. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor.

Drug interactions

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially antacids that contain aluminum. Aluminum will decrease the amount of ethambutol that is absorbed by the body. Interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Don't take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

The overdose symptoms are unknown. If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once.

Storage

Store the medicine at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store the drugs in the bathroom. Keep all drugs away from reach of children and pets.

Note

The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.