GENERIC NAME: ETHAMBUTOL - ORAL (eth-AM-byou-toll)
BRAND NAME(S): Myambutol
Medication Uses | Other Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: Ethambutol 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.
OTHER USES: This medication may also be used to treat an infection known as "MAC" (Mycobacterium avium complex).
HOW TO USE: 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.
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.
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 ethambutol. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Ethambutol passes into breast milk. Though, to date, no problems have been noted in nursing infants, consult your doctor before you breast-feed.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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