Ethambutol: Price, Dosage & Where to Buy

Ethambutol is a medicine used against tuberculosis, although its formal pharmacological class is not specified. It is used to treat tuberculosis affecting the lungs and is given alongside other tuberculosis medicines, rather than on its own. Ethambutol requires a prescription in the United Kingdom and is available as oral tablets, including film-coated tablets.

Ethambutol acts on the bacteria that cause tuberculosis. It interferes with the way these bacteria build their protective cell wall. This makes it harder for the bacteria to grow and multiply.

Its action is directed at the bacteria rather than simply relieving symptoms. Tuberculosis treatment uses medicines together, and the label states that ethambutol must be used alongside other tuberculosis medicines rather than on its own.

Ethambutol is used to treat pulmonary tuberculosis, which means tuberculosis affecting the lungs. It is used alongside other tuberculosis medicines, not as the only treatment. The label describes its use both for people starting tuberculosis treatment and for people who have received treatment before.

Companion medicines are chosen according to their safety and laboratory tests showing which medicines the bacteria are sensitive to. Medicines used alongside ethambutol have included isoniazid, streptomycin, pyrazinamide, ethionamide and cycloserine.

The label lists oral tablets and film-coated oral tablets in strengths of 100 mg and 400 mg. The label lists 15 mg/kg of body weight as a single oral dose once every 24 hours for initial treatment. The label lists 25 mg/kg of body weight as a single oral dose once every 24 hours for retreatment, followed after 60 days by 15 mg/kg once every 24 hours.

These are weight-based label schedules, not an individual prescription. Ethambutol is used alongside other tuberculosis medicines in both initial treatment and retreatment. Food does not significantly alter absorption.

The label advises monthly eye examinations during the higher-dose retreatment period. Treatment generally continues until bacterial test results have become persistently clear and the greatest clinical improvement has occurred. The label does not recommend use in children under thirteen years of age because safe conditions for use have not been established.

The label lists storage at 20 to 25°C, protected from light and moisture. Keep the tablets in a tightly closed, light-resistant container with a child-resistant closure to maintain quality.

A missed dose can interrupt the regular treatment schedule for tuberculosis. General pharmacy advice is to follow the missed-dose directions on the dispensing label and avoid doubling a dose to make up for one missed. If the next dose is nearly due, or several doses have been missed, ask the tuberculosis team or pharmacist for advice.

There are no adequate, well-controlled studies of ethambutol in pregnant women. Eye abnormalities have been reported in infants whose mothers received tuberculosis treatment that included ethambutol. High-dose animal studies found harm to developing offspring.

The label states that use during pregnancy is appropriate only when the benefit justifies the potential risk to the unborn baby. The label does not specify breastfeeding information. Discuss pregnancy or breastfeeding with a doctor or pharmacist.