Ethambutol - Oral

Ethambutol is an antibiotic. It is used together with other medicines to treat a lung infection known as tuberculosis (TB).

Take Ethambutol exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

You may take this medicine with or without food. To reduce any stomach discomfort that it may cause, you may take Ethambutol with food. Try to take it at the same time each day.

The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the severity of your infection and your response to the medication.

Take Ethambutol at regular intervals. Do not skip any doses. You must complete the entire course of this medicine. If you don't, the infection will not be properly controlled.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.

Do not take Ethambutol if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or any of its ingredients.

Alert your doctor if you have an eye problem known as optic neuritis and poor vision as Ethambutol may not be suitable for you.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• other eye problems e.g. eye swelling, cataract (clouding of the lens of the eye)
• liver disease
• kidney disease

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Ethambutol to children and the elderly. Children and elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.

Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.

Routine tests (e.g. liver and kidney function, complete blood count, eye examination) may be done before treatment and while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.

What must I do to prevent spreading TB to other people?

TB is spread through the air, especially when you cough, sneeze or laugh. Always cover your mouth when you cough, sneeze or laugh. If you use tissue paper, seal it in a plastic bag before you throw it away. If you need to be around people for a long time, be sure to wear a mask that covers your mouth and nose to minimise the risk of passing the disease to other people.

You may still be able to infect others while undergoing treatment for TB. Your doctor may tell you to stay at home to avoid passing the disease to other people. You may need to sleep in a bedroom separate from your family members.

Be sure to finish the course of medication according to your doctor's instructions.

Ethambutol may cause dizziness or visual changes, such as blurred vision. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or need to see clearly.

Other side effects include any of the following: headache, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, joint pain, rash, and skin itching.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

• eye pain, blurred or loss of vision, colour blindness
• yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles
• rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth or eyes accompanied by fever

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Ethambutol should not be taken with antacids (medicines that neutralise stomach acids), particularly those containing aluminium hydroxide, as it could reduce the effectiveness of this medicine. If you must take antacids, take them between meals at least 4 hours after you have taken Ethambutol.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Protect from light and moisture.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.