ETHAMBUTOL (E)

Anti-tuberculosis antibacterial; abbreviated as E in treatment regimens

Dosage Forms

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Tablet

100 mg
400 mg

Fixed Dose Combination (FDC) Tablet

Rifampicin 150 mg + isoniazid 75 mg + pyrazinamide 400 mg + ethambutol 275 mg
isoniazid 150 mg + ethambutol 400 mg

Uses

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  • Tuberculosis

Dose and Duration

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Initial phase (give in combination with rifampicin, isoniazid and pyrazinamide (RHZE))

Give once daily for 2 months

Adult and child over 12 years:
Weight (kg) Ethambutol (mg)
30–37 550
38–54 825
55–70 1100
>70 1375
Child <12 years:
Weight (kg) Ethambutol (mg)
4–7 100
8–11 200
12–15 300
16–24 400
>25 Use adult formulation
Continuation phase (in combination with isoniazid)

Give once daily for 4 months

Adult and child over 12 years: see table below
Weight (kg) Ethambutol (mg)
30–70 800
>70 1200

Contraindications

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  • Children <12 years
  • Eye nerve disease
  • Severe kidney disease

Side Effects

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  • Visual disturbance, including red/green colour blindness
  • Nerve pain, especially in legs
  • Gout

Patient Instructions

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  • Report immediately to health facility if any visual disturbances occur so as to prevent blindness

Pregnancy

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  • Can be used

Breast-feeding

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  • Can be used

⚠️ Caution

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  • Do an eye examination before and during treatment
  • Discontinue treatment immediately if patient reports visual disturbances
  • Give to children only in the recommended doses