Ethambutol: Uses, indications and cautions when using

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Ethambutol is an antibiotic and works by stopping the growth of bacteria. Ethambutol is used in combination with other medicines to treat tuberculosis.

1. Uses of Ethambutol

Ethambutol is an antibiotic and works by stopping the growth of bacteria, this antibiotic works in the treatment of infections caused by bacteria. Ethambutol is used in combination with other medicines to treat tuberculosis.
Ethambutol will not work for viral infections such as colds, flu, etc. Using any antibiotic when not needed can make Ethambutol ineffective for future infections.

2. How to use Ethambutol

Ethambutol is available in the form of white, round, film-coated tablets. Therefore, the drug is taken orally with or without food. Dosage will depend on the patient's age, weight, health status and response to treatment.
For the best effect, continue to use the medicine until the prescribed dose is exhausted, even if the symptoms have disappeared. Stopping the medication too soon or skipping a dose can allow bacteria to continue to grow, which can lead to the infection returning and making the infection harder to treat.

3. Notes when using Ethambutol

Some precautions when using Ethambutol include:
If using an antacid containing aluminum, take Ethambutol at least 4 hours before taking the antacid. Take the antibiotic Ethambutol at spaced times for the best effect. Take the right medicine at the right time, at the right dose. When you want to combine with other drugs, consult your doctor. Tell your doctor about your medical history, history of allergies, and any medications you are taking, especially any eye problems (such as optic neuritis, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy). , liver disease, kidney disease and alcohol use. For pregnant women, Ethambutol should only be used when absolutely necessary and must be prescribed by a doctor. Ethambutol passes into breast milk but is unlikely to harm a nursing baby. If you forget to take a dose, take it again as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose to remember, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the same time as the original. Never use a double dose as prescribed.

4. Undesirable effects of the drug Ethambutol

Some undesirable effects of Ethambutol include:
Headache Anorexia Nausea, vomiting Stomach upset Serious side effects such as: vision changes (blurred, decreased vision, color blindness), symptoms of liver disease (such as nausea, persistent vomiting, fatigue, unusual weakness, abdominal pain, stomach pain, yellowing of the eyes, jaundice, dark urine), numbness, tingling in the limbs, pain in the toes and joints, mental disorders (such as confusion, hallucinations), new signs of infection (such as fever, persistent sore throat), easy bleeding, bruising,...
Allergic reactions such as rash , itching or swelling of the face, tongue and throat, severe dizziness, trouble breathing, etc. may occur but are very rare.
When a doctor prescribes a drug, it is necessary to weigh and evaluate the benefits that the drug brings more than the risk of side effects. However, if you have abnormal signs after using Ethambutol, please contact a medical staff immediately for timely intervention.

5. Ethambutol drug interactions

Ethambutol can cause interactions with certain drugs or foods that lead to reactions, reducing the effectiveness of the drug. Ethambutol may make live bacterial vaccines (eg typhoid vaccine) inactive. Therefore, do not vaccinate while using Ethambutol. Before surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you are taking (including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal products). Besides, alcohol can increase the risk of liver disease, so avoid the use of alcoholic beverages during treatment with Ethambutol.
Ethambutol can cause reactions and falsify test results. Therefore, it is necessary to make sure that the test technicians are aware of the patient's Ethambutol use status.

6. How to store Ethambutol

Store Ethambutol at room temperature, away from moisture and light. Do not store in a humid place or in the freezer. Each medicine will have different storage methods, so read the Ethambutol storage instructions carefully on the package, or ask your pharmacist. Keep Ethambutol out of the reach of children and pets. Dispose of medicine properly when it is past its expiration date or cannot be used. Do not throw Ethambutol down the toilet or plumbing unless told to do so. Consult your local waste disposal company or pharmacist for safe disposal of medications.
In summary, Ethambutol is an antibiotic and works by stopping the growth of bacteria, this antibiotic works in the treatment of infections caused by bacteria. Ethambutol is used in combination with other medicines to treat tuberculosis. Some drugs when used in combination can cause drug interactions with Ethambutol and increase the risk of unwanted effects. Therefore, before using Ethambutol, consult your doctor, and it is necessary to apply the correct treatment regimen so that the drug can be highly effective.

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Reference source: webmd.com