Myambutol

Generic name:ethambutol [ eth-AM-bue-tol ]
Drug class:Miscellaneous antituberculosis agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Apr 5, 2022. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Myambutol?

Myambutol is an antibiotic that prevents growth of the tuberculous bacteria in the body.

Myambutol is used to treat tuberculosis (TB), and is usually given together with at least one other tuberculosis medicine.

Myambutol may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Myambutol can cause serious vision problems or irreversible vision loss. You may not be able to take Myambutol if you have an eye problem or vision disorder.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Myambutol if you are allergic to it. You may not be able to take this medicine if you have an eye condition called optic neuritis (inflammation of nerve fibers behind your eyes). Your doctor will decide if this treatment is right for if you have an eye disorder.

Myambutol can cause vision problems that may be a sign that you should stop taking the medicine. You may not be able to take this medicine if you cannot recognize or report any changes in your vision. Young children or debilitated patients may not be able to tell someone about vision problems.

To make sure Myambutol is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• inflammatory eye disorders such as uveitis or iritis;

• eye problems caused by diabetes;

• cataracts;

• liver disease;

• kidney disease; or

• gout.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Myambutol will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine.

Ethambutol can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Myambutol should not be given to a child younger than 13 years old.

How should I take Myambutol?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take Myambutol in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Tell your doctor if you have ever used tuberculosis medicine before. Your dose may be different if you have been treated for tuberculosis in the past.

You may take...