Myambutol
This medication is indicated to support treatment of tuberculosis and developed to address mycobacterial infection in combination therapy.
- Category
- Antibiotics
- Active ingredient
- Ethambutol
- Supply
- Pharmacy
- Route
- Oral use
- Form
- Tablet
- Strengths
- 200 · 400 · 600 · 800mg
Myambutol details
- Condition
- Tuberculosis
- Therapeutic class
- Antitubercular Agent
- Pharmacological class
- Ethambutol
- Contraindications
- hypersensitivity to ethambutol; pre-existing optic neuritis
- Precautions and warnings
- regular eye examinations required; caution in renal impairment
- Minor side effects
- nausea; headache; dizziness
- Moderate side effects
- hyperuricaemia
- Serious side effects
- optic neuritis, requires immediate medical attention
- Dosage forms
- Tablet
- Administration route
- Oral use
- Supply category
- Pharmacist only, dispensed without a prescription
- Manufacturer
- Lederle
- Onset Time
- not applicable
- Duration
- 6–12 months
- Storage instructions
- Store at controlled room temperature.
- Drug interactions
- Aluminium hydroxide
- Age restrictions
- Not recommended for children unable to perform vision tests.
Patient summary
This medication is indicated to support treatment of tuberculosis and developed to address mycobacterial infection in combination therapy.
Mechanism of action
Ethambutol inhibits the synthesis of the mycobacterial cell wall by interfering with the incorporation of mycolic acids, specifically acting on the arabinosyl transferase enzyme causing cell death.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Pregnancy: safe to use if necessary for TB treatment. Breastfeeding: small amounts are excreted, but generally considered safe.
Where this medicine is registered
- Singapore
- Hong Kong
- Thailand
- Malaysia
- Philippines
- Indonesia
- Taiwan
- South Korea
- Japan
- Australia
- New Zealand
- UAE
- South Africa
About Myambutol
Myambutol contains ethambutol, a medicine used in the treatment of tuberculosis. Produced by Lederle, it is available as a tablet in strengths ranging from 200mg to 800mg. This medication is categorised as an anti-mycobacterial agent and is widely used for the management of specific bacterial infections.
Myambutol availability in Asia
Myambutol is registered across 14 markets including Singapore, Hong Kong and Thailand, with availability also in Malaysia, the Philippines and Indonesia. Note that generic ethambutol, much of it made in India, is far more affordable than the original brand. For expats and people situated far from major medical centres, this information assists in identifying options for continuity of care. This medicine is best used under a doctor’s care to monitor progress and ensure appropriate usage throughout the treatment period.