Please note: This is for information only.

Refer to local guidelines for treatment recommendations

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• Antituberculosis agent, used in combination with other antituberculosis agents.
• Good oral bioavailability.
• Bactericidal in the early stages of therapy otherwise bacteriostatic.
• Only penetrates into the CSF when the meninges are inflamed.
• Usual dose 15mg/kg (available in 100 and 400mg tablets).
• Renal function should be checked prior to administration. In patients with creatinine clearance <30ml/min, ethambutol should preferably be avoided. If it is used, adjust dose and monitor levels.
• Ethambutol can cause retrobulbar neuritis, baseline visual acuity tests should be performed prior to initiation. Patients should be warned to discontinue the drug and seek medical advice if they notice a deterioration in their vision. Patients who are unable to undertake a visual acuity test or cannot understand the warnings about visual side-effects should, if possible, be giving an alternative drug.

Main indications

• Mycobacterial disease as part of combination therapy when isoniazid resistance is possible.
• Active against most strains of:
• M.tuberculosis
• Varying activity against atypical mycobacteria

Not active against most strains of:

• Non-mycobacterial bacteria