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Ethambutol (By mouth)

Brand Name(s):

Myambutol

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to ethambutol or if you have damaged eye nerves (optic neuritis).

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take and how often.
Ethambutol can be taken with food to avoid stomach upset.
Take this medicine on a regular schedule. Keep taking it even if you are feeling better. Your doctor will tell you when you can stop taking it.

If a dose is missed:

Take the missed dose as soon as possible.
Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next regular dose.
You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

Store at room temperature and protect from direct heat, moisture, and light.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.
Check with your doctor before taking ethambutol if you have gout, kidney disease, or liver disease.
This medicine may cause blurred vision. If it does, avoid driving or using dangerous machinery.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Any vision changes such as blurring, color blindness, trouble seeing
Eye pain
Swelling of face, lips, throat
Hives
Wheezing or trouble breathing
Numbness, pain, or tingling in hands or feet
Joint pain
Fever or chills
Skin rash

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Nausea and vomiting
Stomach pain
Headache
Dizziness
Poor appetite

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor:

Reviewed last on: 1/4/2010

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