Ethambutol 600mg

Ethambutol 600mg — Uses and Benefits

Ethambutol 600mg is used to treat tuberculosis (TB) infection, always in combination with other anti-TB medicines.

WHAT THIS MEDICINE IS USED FOR

• Treatment of active pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis
• Given as part of a multi-drug TB treatment regimen
• Helps prevent bacteria from becoming resistant to other TB drugs

HOW IT WORKS

• Stops the growth and multiplication of TB-causing bacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis)
• Interferes with the formation of the bacterial cell wall
• Works best when combined with other anti-TB medicines to fully clear the infection

WHAT IT IS NOT USED FOR

• Not used for viral infections like cold or flu
• Not used alone to treat TB; always combined with other drugs
• Not effective against bacterial infections other than TB
• Not a painkiller or fever reducer

How to Use Ethambutol 600mg

HOW TO TAKE IT

• Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually once daily
• Can be taken with or without food, but take at the same time each day
• Swallow the tablet whole with water; do not crush or chew unless advised
• Continue the full course even if you feel better; stopping early can cause the infection to return or become drug-resistant
• Take along with other prescribed anti-TB medicines, not alone
• Do not change the dose or stop without consulting your doctor

IF YOU MISS A DOSE

• Take it as soon as you remember on the same day
• If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue your normal schedule
• Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one
• Try to maintain a consistent daily routine to avoid missed doses

STORAGE

• Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture
• Keep out of reach of children
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack

Ethambutol 600mg — Side Effects

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Stomach upset
• Headache
• Dizziness

LESS COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Joint pain
• Numbness or tingling in hands and feet
• Confusion
• Skin rash or itching

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS — STOP AND SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY

• Blurred vision, difficulty seeing colours (especially red-green), or reduced vision
• Eye pain
• Severe allergic reaction with swelling of face, lips, or throat, and difficulty breathing
• Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Severe skin reaction with blistering or peeling

This is not a complete list. Report any unusual or persistent symptom to your doctor or pharmacist.

Ethambutol 600mg — Safety Information and Precautions

This medicine is available only with a doctor's prescription in India.

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU

• Are allergic to ethambutol or any of its ingredients
• Have pre-existing optic neuritis (inflammation of the eye nerve) unless advised by a specialist
• Are unable to report visual changes (for example, young children who cannot describe vision problems) without close medical supervision

TELL YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING IF YOU

• Have any existing eye problems or vision issues
• Have kidney disease, as dose may need adjustment
• Are pregnant or planning pregnancy
• Are breastfeeding
• Have diabetes, especially with existing eye complications
• Are taking any other medicines, including over-the-counter drugs or supplements

MEDICINES THAT CAN INTERACT

• Antacids containing aluminium salts, as they can reduce absorption of ethambutol
• Other medicines that affect the eyes or nerves
• Always inform your doctor about all medicines and supplements you are taking

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I stop taking this medicine once I feel better?

No, you must complete the full course as prescribed even if symptoms improve, to prevent drug-resistant TB.

Will this medicine affect my eyesight?

It can rarely cause vision changes, so regular eye check-ups during treatment are recommended, especially with long-term use.

Can I take this medicine with other TB drugs?

• Yes, it is meant to be taken together with other anti-TB medicines as part of a combination regimen prescribed by your doctor.
• Doctor ya pharmacist se salah lein.