Ethambutol Tablets 800 Mg

Description

What Is Ethambutol?

Ethambutol is an antibiotic that interferes with the growth and replication of tuberculosis bacteria in the body. It is classified as a bacteriostatic antitubercular agent because it inhibits bacterial multiplication rather than directly killing the organisms. Ethambutol must be used in combination with other TB drugs to prevent the development of resistance and achieve effective treatment outcomes.

Ethambutol 800 mg tablets are typically prescribed for adults and are part of standard first-line treatment regimens for pulmonary and certain forms of extrapulmonary TB, under the supervision of a qualified clinician.

Mechanism of Action

Ethambutol works by inhibiting enzymes involved in forming the cell wall of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This action decreases cell wall synthesis and increases cell wall permeability, resulting in slowed bacterial growth and improved effectiveness of other TB medicines in the treatment regimen.

Indications

Ethambutol Tablets 800 mg are indicated for the treatment of active tuberculosis infection. Because TB is caused by bacteria that can develop resistance, ethambutol is used alongside other first-line antitubercular medicines such as isoniazid, rifampicin, and pyrazinamide.

Your healthcare provider will determine the dosage and duration of ethambutol based on clinical factors such as age, body weight, severity of infection, and response to treatment. It is important to complete the full course even if symptoms improve, to avoid treatment failure and resistance.

Dosage & Administration

• Dosage: Ethambutol is typically prescribed based on body weight, with 800 mg being a common adult dose when indicated.

• Take exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider — do not change the dose or stop treatment on your own.

• Administration: Ethambutol tablets are taken orally, usually once a day with water. They can be taken with or without food according to your doctor’s instructions.

• Store in a cool, dry place at room temperature away from excess heat and moisture.

Safety Information & Precautions

Vision Monitoring

One of the most important safety considerations with ethambutol is the risk of optic neuropathy, which can affect vision. Patients should have their visual acuity and colour perception monitored before and during therapy, and report any sudden changes in vision immediately.

Before Taking Ethambutol

Inform your doctor if you have:

• A history of eye disorders or vision problems

• Kidney or liver disease

• Diabetes or conditions affecting nerve function

• Ever been allergic to ethambutol or other TB medicines

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Discuss with your clinician if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding as the safety profile should be assessed based on individual benefits and risks.

Possible Side Effects

Common side effects may include:

• Vision changes (blurred vision, inability to distinguish colours)

• Headache, dizziness

• Loss of appetite, nausea

• Joint pain or skin rash

Seek immediate medical help if you experience severe visual disturbances, loss of vision, severe skin reactions, or neurological symptoms.

FAQs

1 What are Ethambutol Tablets 800 mg used for?

They are used to treat tuberculosis (TB) infections in combination with other medicines.

2 How do Ethambutol Tablets 800 mg work?

Ethambutol stops the growth of the bacteria that cause tuberculosis.

3 Who should take Ethambutol Tablets 800 mg?

Adults diagnosed with tuberculosis may be prescribed this medicine by a doctor.

4 How should Ethambutol Tablets 800 mg be taken?

Take the tablets exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually once daily with food.

5 When will Ethambutol Tablets 800 mg start working?

It may take several weeks of treatment before symptoms improve.