About Ethambutol 800 mg Tablet
Ethambutol 800 mg Tablet contains Ethambutol 800 mg. Ethambutol is an antibiotic used to treat tuberculosis (TB). It is always taken together with other TB medicines, usually for several months. It can affect eyesight, so your eyes may be checked before and during treatment. Taking every dose for the full course is essential to cure TB and prevent drug resistance.
Uses of Ethambutol 800 mg Tablet
- Tuberculosis (TB), together with other TB medicines
- Some other mycobacterial infections, as decided by the doctor
Benefits
In tuberculosis
Used with other TB medicines, it helps kill TB bacteria and prevents them from becoming resistant. Completing the full course gives the best chance of clearing the infection.
Side effects
Most side effects are mild. Talk to your doctor if any bother you. Do not stop TB medicines without your doctor's advice.
Common
- Nausea or loss of appetite
- Stomach upset
- Headache
- Joint pain (raised uric acid)
Get medical help if you notice
- Blurred vision, reduced eyesight, or difficulty telling red from green — stop and contact your doctor straight away
- Numbness, tingling or pain in the hands or feet — contact your doctor
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes or dark urine — contact your doctor
- Allergic reaction: rash, swelling of the face or throat, fever — seek emergency care
How to use
Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed, usually once a day, with or after food if it upsets your stomach. Swallow the tablet with water. Take it along with your other TB medicines as directed.
How it works
Ethambutol blocks an enzyme that TB bacteria need to build their cell wall. This stops the bacteria from growing.
Safety advice
Alcohol Caution
Alcohol can add to liver strain from other TB medicines. It is best avoided.
Pregnancy Consult your doctor
It is commonly used in pregnancy as part of standard TB treatment when a doctor advises. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.
Breastfeeding Consult your doctor
Small amounts pass into breast milk. Ask your doctor; TB treatment is usually continued.
Driving Caution
If you notice any change in your eyesight, do not drive and see your doctor.
Kidney Caution
It is removed by the kidneys. Your doctor may change the dose if you have kidney disease.
Liver Consult your doctor
Tell your doctor if you have liver disease. Your other TB medicines may also affect the liver.
If you miss a dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember the same day. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Do not take two doses together. Tell your doctor if you miss several doses.
Quick tips
- Complete the full course of TB treatment, even if you feel better.
- Report any change in eyesight or colour vision straight away.
- Go for eye checks if your doctor asks.
- Take antacids containing aluminium at least 4 hours after ethambutol.
Substitutes
Same salts in the same strength from other makers. Only switch brands on your doctor's or pharmacist's advice; our pharmacist checks every order against the prescription.
Fact box
- Chemical class
- Ethylenediamine derivative
- Therapeutic class
- Anti-infective / anti-tuberculosis
- Action class
- Arabinosyl transferase inhibitor (cell wall synthesis)
- Habit forming
- No
- Prescription
- Required
Interactions with other medicines
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin and herbal product you take.
| Medicine | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Antacids containing aluminium hydroxide | Reduce absorption of ethambutol; take them at least 4 hours apart |
| Other TB medicines (isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide) | Used together on purpose; your doctor will monitor for side effects such as liver or eye problems |
This page is general information to help you understand your medicine. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop or change a medicine on your own.
Written by the Asthra Health Care team from the approved prescribing information (Ethambutol prescribing information (CDSCO-approved labelling); NICE BNF: ethambutol hydrochloride; WHO consolidated guidelines on tuberculosis treatment). Pharmacist review pending.