Myambutol (Ethambutol)

What is Myambutol?

Myambutol (etambutol) is an antibiotic that is active against bacterial infections in the body. It falls under the class of drugs called antimycobacterial antibiotics.

What is Myambutol used for?

Myambutol is used in the treatment of tuberculosis (TB) along with other drugs.

It is to be noted that the medicine just treats bacterial infections and does not work in case of viral infections such as flu or common cold.

How does Myambutol work?

Being an antibiotic, Myambutol inhibits the growth of bacteria and thus helps in the treatment of tuberculosis.

How to use Myambutol

Myambutol should be used in the manner prescribed by a doctor. The dosage depends on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Myambutol is usually taken orally once a day, with or without food. It can be taken with food to prevent stomach upset. The drug is usually prescribed along with other tuberculosis drugs.

The drug should preferably be taken at the same time every day in order to maintain a constant level of antibiotic in the body. This facilitates the action of the drug.

When this medication is combined with other TB medicines, Myambutol should be taken twice a week (or as directed by the doctor).

If you also take aluminum-containing antacids, Myambutol should be taken at least 4 hours before the consumption of antacids. Care should be taken to complete the full course of Myambutol. The medication should not be stopped suddenly even if your condition improves within a few days. Doing so may allow the bacteria to resume their growth thus resulting into a relapse of the infection. The medication needs to be gradually decreased as per directions from your doctor. 

Do not increase your dose unless otherwise directed by your doctor. However, if your condition does not improve at all or becomes worse consult your doctor immediately.

Myambutol warnings and precautions

Myambutol is not administered to patients who are allergic to ethambutol.

Inform your doctor beforehand if you have any of the following conditions: kidney diseases, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, or optic neuritis. Your dosage may be altered in such cases.

Myambutol is an antibiotic and will not treat viral infections such as flu or common cold.

Effects of Myambutol on fetus and nursing babies are not known. Therefore, pregnant and lactating women are advised to discuss the possible risks and benefits of taking the drug with their doctors.

What do I do if I have missed a Myambutol dose?

If you have missed a Myambutol dose, take it as soon as you remember. If, however, it is almost time for the next dose, the missed dose can be skipped. Do not take a double dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Myambutol overdose?

If you have taken an overdose of Myambutol, seek emergency medical attention.

Myambutol interactions

Antacids which contain aluminum may make it difficult for the body to absorb ethambutol. Hence Myambutol should be taken at least 4 hours before taking such antacids.

Other drugs may also interact with Myambutol. Therefore, it is necessary to inform your doctor about all the prescription/non prescription drugs/herbal medicines that you are taking, before taking the medicine.

You should not start taking any new medicine, without consulting your doctor.

Myambutol side effects

Side effects from Myambutol include allergic reactions such as swelling of tongue, face, throat; hives, redness of skin etc. Seek emergency medical attention on appearance of such symptoms. Consult your doctor if you notice any of the following serious side effects: disorientation, hallucination, confusion, rash, numbness or tingling sensation in hands and feet, or vision changes (blurring, red-green color blindness).

Headache, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach upset, abdominal pain, mild dizziness, pain in joints, worsening gout are some common and less serious side effects of Myambutol.