Here’s the detailed profile for Ethambutol Tablet 800 mg 👇
💊 Ethambutol Tablet 800 mg
📘 Description:
- Ethambutol is a first-line antimycobacterial agent used in tuberculosis (TB) therapy.
- Mechanism: Inhibits arabinogalactan polymerization in the mycobacterial cell wall → disrupts cell wall integrity.
- Used only in combination regimens to prevent resistance.
📄 Prescription / Indications:
- Pulmonary TB (new and retreatment cases).
- Extrapulmonary TB (lymph nodes, meningitis, bone/joint, etc.).
- Given during both intensive and continuation phases of therapy.
🌿 Nature / Drug Class:
- Antimycobacterial drug
- Cell wall synthesis inhibitor
✅ Advantages:
- Active against Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
- Helps prevent resistance development to other first-line drugs.
- Convenient strength for adult dosing in medium–high weight categories.
⚠️ Precautions:
Contraindications:
- Known hypersensitivity to Ethambutol.
Use with caution in:
- Optic neuritis – risk of visual impairment (dose-dependent).
- Renal impairment – dose adjustment required.
- Children under 5 years – vision monitoring is difficult.
Adverse Effects:
- Optic neuritis → reduced visual acuity, red-green color blindness.
- GI upset, rash, joint pains, headache.
- Rare: Peripheral neuropathy.
💊 Dosage (Adults):
- 15–25 mg/kg/day in a single dose.
- 800 mg strength is typically used for adults with body weight around 50–60 kg (dose matched in combination with other tablet strengths).
- Always part of a multi-drug regimen (rifampicin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide, etc.).
📦 Common Packaging:
- 800 mg tablets in blister or strip packs.
- Also available in Fixed-Dose Combinations (FDCs) with rifampicin, isoniazid ± pyrazinamide.
❄️ Storage:
- Store below 25°C, in a cool, dry place.
- Protect from light and moisture.