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Ethambutol

Sounds like 'eth-am-bew-tol'

Key points about ethambutol

Ethambutol is used to treat tuberculosis (TB).
Find out how to take ethambutol.

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Ethambutol is used to treat tuberculosis (TB). TB is an infection which mostly affects the lungs, but can affect any part of your body. TB is treated by taking a combination of antibiotics for at least 6 months – ethambutol is just 1 of the antibiotics prescribed. Read more about TB.

In Aotearoa New Zealand ethambutol is available as tablets (100mg and 400mg).

The dose of ethambutol is different for different people, depending on your body weight.
Always take ethambutol exactly as your doctor has told you.
The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much to take, how often to take it and any special instructions.

Timing of your dose: Take your ethambutol tablets once a day, at about the same time each day. You can take your dose with or without food. Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water. Don't crush or chew the tablets.
Missed dose: If you forget to take your dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is nearly time for your next dose, take the next dose at the right time. Don't take extra doses to make up for a forgotten dose. If you often forget to take ethambutol, your tuberculosis may not be fully treated.
Finish the course. Keep taking your tablets regularly unless your doctor tells you to stop. It's important for you to finish the course so the infection doesn't come back. If you stop taking the tablets before your course has finished (such as if you think you may be developing side-effects – see below) then you must let your doctor know about it straightaway so you can be given different treatment for your TB.

Here are some things to know when you're taking ethambutol. Other things may be important as well, so ask your healthcare provider what you should know about.

Ethambutol can interact with some medicines, herbal supplements and rongoā Māori, so check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting ethambutol and before starting any new products.
Limit alcohol while you are taking ethambutol. Alcohol can increase your chance of side effects, eg, problems with your liver.
Tell your doctor if you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Tell your doctor if you have gout. Ethambutol may cause a gout flare-up.
Tell your doctor if you notice problems with your eyesight while you're taking ethambutol.

Like all medicines, ethambutol can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Often side effects improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine.

Side effects	What should I do?
Feeling sick (nausea) Tummy upset Runny poo (diarrhoea) Loss of appetite	This is quite common when you first start treatment. Tell your doctor if it doesn't go away.
Problems with your eyesight such as difficulty telling colours apart, blurry vision, or not being able to see things clearly at the edge of your vision	Tell your doctor immediately.
Numbness or tingling feelings in your fingers and toes	Tell your doctor immediately.
Skin rash or itching	Tell your doctor immediately.
Signs of problems with your liver such as severe tummy pain, yellowing of the eyes and skin, dark urine.	Tell your doctor immediately or ring Healthline 0800 611 116.
For more information on side effects, see the learn more section below or the consumer leaflet with the product. Read more about medicines and side effects and reporting a reaction you think might be a side effect.