Ethambutol

Pronounced

"eth-AM-byou-toll"

Common brand names:

Etibi

Uses

Ethambutol is used with other medications to treat tuberculosis (TB). Ethambutol is an antibiotic and works by stopping the growth of bacteria.

This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (such as common cold, flu). Using any antibiotic when it is not needed can cause it to not work for future infections.

Other Uses

This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

This drug may also be used for a certain serious infection (Mycobacterium avium complex-MAC). It may also be used to reduce the risk of MAC infection from occurring again in people with advanced HIV disease.

How to Use This Medication

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. This medication may sometimes be taken twice weekly. Take this medication exactly as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your age, weight, medical condition, and response to treatment.

If you also take antacids that contain aluminum, take this medication at least 4 hours before the antacid.

For the best effect, take this antibiotic at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take this medication at the same time(s) every day.

Continue to take this medication (and other TB medications) until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear. Stopping the medication too early or skipping doses may result in a return of the infection and cause the infection to be more difficult to treat (resistant).

Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.

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Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

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