ethambutol (Myambutol)

Drug description
Ethambutol is used in combination with other drugs for prevention and treatment of MAC and drug resistant tuberculosis (TB). MAC is caused by a type of mycobacteria. This type of organism causes TB as well as MAC. MAC and TB usually cause severe weight loss. It also may cause fevers, night sweats and chills. Maintenance therapy after an episode of MAC is now routine, although it is not known which of the existing available treatments is the most effective. The decision about what drug to take must partly be based on how sick you are and whether treatment has a chance of improving your quality of life. Those who have clinical symptoms but a relatively well-functioning liver and kidneys will respond best to treatment.

Side effects
Acute gout, chills, pain and swelling of joints, skin rash, fever, numbness, tingling, burning pain, weakness of hands or feet, blurred vision, eye pain, red-green color blindness, some loss of vision, abdominal pain, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, headache and mental confusion.

Dosage
Ethambutol comes in 100 mg and 400 mg tablets. Adults take 15-25 mg/kg of body weight once daily. The total daily dose should not exceed 900-2500 mg. Ethambutol may be taken with food to reduce stomach irritation. The tablet can be crushed if that makes it easier to take.

How long it may take to work
Treatment usually helps within two to four weeks. If it does work, ongoing suppressive maintenance treatment is necessary. Maintenance treatment means you keep taking the drug to control an infection so that you don't become ill.

Managing side effects
Drugs that can help reduce the symptoms of nausea include Compazine, Phenergan, and Reglan. Eating dry salty foods like crackers can also help with nausea and vomiting. Donít lie down right after you eat. Report promptly to your doctor any changes in vision or unusual sensations in your hands or feet.

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