Brand Name(s): Myambutol
Generic Name Ethambutol
What are ethambutol tablets?
ETHAMBUTOL (Myambutol®) is an oral chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment and cure of tuberculosis. Ethambutol enters growing tubercular bacterial cells, and interferes with their growth and multiplication. Ethambutol is not used alone, but always in combination with another medicine that treats tuberculosis. Generic ethambutol tablets are available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•eye problems or disease
•gout
•kidney disease
•other chronic illness
•an unusual or allergic reaction to ethambutol, other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take ethambutol tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow tablets whole with a full glass of water. You can take ethambutol with food or milk. Take your doses at regular intervals and try not to miss any doses. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional even if you think your condition is better. You may need to take this medicine for 1 or 2 years. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What drug(s) may interact with ethambutol?
•antacids
•aluminum salts
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking ethambutol?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
•fever or chills
•joint aches, pain, or swelling
•blurred vision
•changes in how you see color (especially seeing the difference between red and green)
•dizziness
•reduced amount of urine passed
•skin rash
•tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands or feet
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•fever
•headache
•loss of appetite
•nausea, vomiting
•stomach pain
•weakness or tiredness
What should I watch for while taking ethambutol?
Tell your prescriber or health care professional as soon as you can if you notice any change in your eyesight; even if only one eye is affected.
Antacid that contains aluminum can stop ethambutol working. If you get an upset stomach and want to take an antacid, make sure there is an interval of 3 to 4 hours between these two medicines.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
| Available at: www.DrugDigest.org | Last Updated:01/25/2002 |
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