Myambutol: Targeted Tuberculosis Treatment with Precision
| Product dosage: 400mg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per pill | Price | Buy |
| 60 | $0.62 | $36.98 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 90 | $0.47 | $55.47 $42.14 (24%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 120 | $0.39 | $73.96 $47.30 (36%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 180 | $0.32 | $110.94 $58.48 (47%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 270 | $0.27 | $166.41 $73.96 (56%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 360 | $0.25
Best per pill | $221.88 $89.44 (60%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| Product dosage: 600mg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per pill | Price | Buy |
| 60 | $0.80 | $48.16 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 90 | $0.66 | $72.24 $59.34 (18%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 120 | $0.59 | $96.32 $70.52 (27%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 180 | $0.52 | $144.48 $93.74 (35%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 270 | $0.47 | $216.72 $126.42 (42%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 360 | $0.45
Best per pill | $288.96 $162.54 (44%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| Product dosage: 800mg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per pill | Price | Buy |
| 60 | $0.77 | $46.44 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 90 | $0.70 | $69.66 $62.78 (10%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 120 | $0.67 | $92.88 $79.98 (14%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 180 | $0.63 | $139.32 $113.52 (19%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 270 | $0.61 | $208.98 $163.40 (22%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 360 | $0.59
Best per pill | $278.64 $211.56 (24%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
Synonyms | |||
Myambutol (ethambutol hydrochloride) is a first-line antimycobacterial agent specifically formulated for the treatment of active tuberculosis. As a bacteriostatic antimicrobial, it inhibits the synthesis of arabinogalactan—a critical component of the mycobacterial cell wall—thereby disrupting cell metabolism and replication. Myambutol is indicated for use in combination therapy to prevent resistance development and is particularly valued for its targeted mechanism of action against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Proper administration under medical supervision is essential to maximize therapeutic efficacy while minimizing potential ocular toxicity.
Features
- Active ingredient: Ethambutol hydrochloride
- Available in film-coated tablets: 100 mg, 400 mg, and 800 mg strengths
- Mechanism: Inhibits arabinosyl transferase enzymes, disrupting mycobacterial cell wall synthesis
- High oral bioavailability with peak plasma concentrations within 2–4 hours
- Renal excretion with an elimination half-life of approximately 3–4 hours
- Manufactured under strict pharmaceutical compliance (cGMP standards)
Benefits
- Effectively reduces mycobacterial load in pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis
- Prevents development of drug-resistant tuberculosis strains when used in combination therapy
- Enables shorter, more effective treatment regimens compared to historical protocols
- Well-tolerated profile with manageable side effects when properly monitored
- Facilitates treatment adherence through once-daily dosing convenience
- Cost-effective component of WHO-recommended DOTS (Directly Observed Therapy) strategy
Common use
Myambutol is primarily indicated for the treatment of active tuberculosis in combination with other antitubercular drugs such as isoniazid, rifampin, and pyrazinamide. It is used in both pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis infections, including lymphatic, genitourinary, and skeletal system involvement. The medication is typically incorporated into the initial phase of tuberculosis treatment to rapidly reduce bacterial load and prevent emergence of resistance. It may also be used in retreatment regimens after drug susceptibility testing confirms sensitivity.
Dosage and direction
Adult dosage: 15-25 mg/kg body weight once daily (maximum 2.5 grams daily). Typical regimen: 15 mg/kg for patients receiving daily therapy; 25 mg/kg for patients receiving twice-weekly therapy under direct observation.
Pediatric dosage: 15-20 mg/kg once daily (maximum 1 gram daily). Not recommended for children under 13 years unless benefits outweigh risks.
Administration: Take with or without food, preferably at the same time each day. Tablets should be swallowed whole with water. Dosage must be adjusted for patients with renal impairment based on creatinine clearance.
Treatment duration: Typically 2 months in initial phase, followed by continuation phase without ethambutol in most regimens. Total treatment duration usually 6-9 months depending on regimen and disease severity.
Precautions
- Baseline and monthly visual acuity testing (Snellen chart) and color discrimination testing required during therapy
- Renal function assessment before initiation and periodically during treatment
- Hepatic function monitoring recommended, especially with concomitant hepatotoxic medications
- Use with caution in patients with diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, or optic neuropathy
- Pregnancy Category C: Use only if potential benefit justifies potential risk to fetus
- Breastfeeding: Ethambutol is excreted in human milk; decision to discontinue nursing or drug should consider importance to mother
- Not recommended for prophylactic treatment of tuberculosis
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to ethambutol or any component of the formulation
- Optic neuritis (unless treatment benefits substantially outweigh risks)
- Unable to undergo regular visual acuity testing
- Severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30 mL/min) without appropriate dosage adjustment
- Children under 13 years (relative contraindication except in multidrug-resistant cases)
- Uncooperative patients who cannot comply with visual monitoring requirements
Possible side effect
Ocular effects (dose- and duration-dependent):
- Optic neuritis (reversible in early stages)
- Decreased visual acuity
- Color vision impairment (red-green discrimination)
- Visual field defects
- Scotomata
Gastrointestinal:
- Nausea, abdominal pain
- Anorexia, vomiting
- Elevated liver enzymes
Dermatological:
- Pruritus, dermatitis
- Photosensitivity reactions
Neurological:
- Headache, dizziness
- Peripheral neuropathy (rare)
- Confusion, disorientation
Other:
- Hyperuricemia (may precipitate gout)
- Arthralgia
- Fever, malaise
- Thrombocytopenia, leukopenia (rare)
Drug interaction
- Aluminum-containing antacids: May decrease ethambutol absorption (administer at least 2 hours apart)
- Neurotoxic drugs: Additive risk of peripheral neuropathy (isoniazid, vincristine)
- Other ocular toxic drugs: Potential additive optic nerve effects (chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine)
- Zidovudine: Potential increased risk of peripheral neuropathy
- Colchicine: May have additive effects on gastrointestinal symptoms
- No significant interactions with rifampin or isoniazid in standard combination therapy
Missed dose
Take the missed dose as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one. Maintain regular dosing schedule to ensure consistent therapeutic levels. If multiple doses are missed, contact healthcare provider for guidance on resumption of therapy. Consistent adherence is critical to treatment success and resistance prevention.
Overdose
Symptoms: Primarily exaggerated pharmacological effects including visual disturbances, gastrointestinal upset, dizziness, and mental confusion. Severe overdose may cause acute optic neuritis.
Management: Immediate gastric lavage if ingestion recent. Supportive care with monitoring of visual function, hydration status, and electrolyte balance. No specific antidote exists. Hemodialysis may enhance elimination (ethambutol is dialyzable). Ophthalmologic consultation mandatory for any visual symptoms.
Storage
Store at controlled room temperature (20-25°C or 68-77°F). Protect from light and moisture. Keep in original container with tight closure. Do not transfer to other containers. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use after expiration date printed on packaging. Do not flush medications down toilet or pour into drain unless instructed.
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Myambutol is a prescription medication that requires professional medical supervision. Treatment decisions must be made by qualified healthcare providers based on individual patient characteristics, drug susceptibility testing, and current treatment guidelines. Visual monitoring is mandatory during therapy. Never self-medicate or adjust dosage without medical consultation. Report any visual changes immediately to your healthcare provider.
Reviews
“Clinical experience spanning decades confirms ethambutol’s role as a cornerstone of tuberculosis therapy. When used appropriately with monitoring, it provides excellent mycobacterial coverage with manageable toxicity profile.” - Infectious Disease Specialist, 15 years experience
“In our TB control program, Myambutol has been instrumental in reducing default rates and treatment failure. The once-daily dosing improves adherence significantly compared to older multi-dose regimens.” - Public Health Physician, TB program director
“While ocular toxicity requires vigilance, the benefits in preventing resistance development make ethambutol indispensable in modern TB therapy. Proper patient education and monitoring minimize risks effectively.” - Ophthalmologist consulting on TB treatment programs
“From a pharmacological perspective, ethambutol’s specific mechanism against cell wall synthesis provides valuable targeted action with relatively few systemic side effects compared to broader-spectrum antimicrobials.” - Clinical Pharmacologist, university hospital