Myambutol

Myambutol is the brand name for a medication called Ethambutol. It is an antibiotic that is primarily used in the treatment of tuberculosis (TB).

Ethambutol, sold under the brand name Myambutol, is an important component of the standard treatment regimen for TB. It is used in combination with other antibiotics to effectively treat the infection and prevent the development of drug resistance.

Antibiotic works by inhibiting the growth of the bacteria that cause TB. It targets the bacteria's cell wall synthesis process, interfering with their ability to reproduce and spread.

This medication is available in the form of tablets and is typically taken orally.

Composition of Myambutol

Myambutol is also known as ethambutol hydrochloride. It is an oral chemotherapeutic agent, used against microorganisms of genus mycobacterium and M. tuberculosis.

Some of the inactive ingredients in the 100mg and 400 mg tablets are as follows:

• Titanium dioxide
• Gelatin
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
• Sucrose
• Sorbitol
• Stearic acid
• Magnesium Stearate
• Hydroxypropyl Methlycellulose

Uses of Myambutol

Antibiotic is mainly used for the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). It is an antibiotic drug and helps in stopping the bacterial growth. It can be used with the combination of other drugs for treating tuberculosis (like rifampicin, isoniazid, and pyrazinamide).

This antibiotic drug can only be used for the treatment of bacterial infections. Myambutol does not work in case of viral infections (like flu and common cold). The misuse and unnecessary usage of this antibiotic can reduce its effectiveness. There are other uses of the drugs which are not listed among the approved professional labelling. It can be used with a combination of other medications for treating a serious type of infection called Mycobacterium Avium Complex-MAC.

Dosage

Typically, the recommended dosage of Myambutol for adults is around 15 to 25 mg per kilogram of body weight per day, divided into one or two daily doses. It is essential to take the medication exactly as prescribed and for the entire duration of the treatment course, even if symptoms improve before completion.

How to Take

Here are some general guidelines on how to take Myambutol:

1. Take the medication as prescribed: Follow instructions regarding the dosage and frequency of Myambutol. Do not take more or less than the recommended dose.
2. Take with or without food: Tablets can be taken with or without food. If you experience stomach upset, you may take it with food to help alleviate any discomfort.
3. Swallow the tablets: Take the Myambutol tablets whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets.
4. Stick to the schedule: Take this drug at the same time each day to maintain a consistent level of the medication in your body. This will help ensure its effectiveness.
5. Complete the full course: It is crucial to complete the entire course of Myambutol, even if you start feeling better before the treatment is finished. Stopping the medication prematurely may lead to the development of drug-resistant bacteria.
6. Avoid missed doses: If you accidentally miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one.

Side effects of Myambutol

There are many side-effects associated with the use of Myambutol which may require medical attention. Some of the side-effects may not require any at all. As the body gradually starts getting used to the drug, the side-effects will disappear. Some of the side-effects are mentioned below:

• Chills
• Swelling and pain in the joints, specially ankle, big toe, or knee
• Fever
• Skin rash
• Burning pain, tingling, weakness, or numbness in the feet or hands
• Tense and hot skin over the affected joints
• Eye pain, blurred vision, red-green colour blindness, or loss of vision
• Headache
• Vomiting or nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal pain
• Confusion

Contraindications of Myambutol

If the patient has any of the following conditions, he/she should not be allowed to take Myambutol:

• Allergic reaction to ethambutol
• Sudden blindness and pain while moving the eye
• Changes in the retina of the patient with diabetes
• Gout
• Kidney disease
• Cataracts

Interactions

Ethambutol may interact with other medications, supplements, or substances, potentially affecting their effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. Here are some examples of potential interactions:

1. Antacids: Medicine should be taken at least 4 hours before or after taking antacids containing aluminum hydroxide. Antacids may decrease the absorption of Myambutol, reducing its effectiveness.
2. Zinc supplements: Zinc supplements should be taken at least 2 hours before or after taking Myambutol. Antibiotic can interfere with the absorption of zinc.
3. Antiretroviral drugs: Ethambutol may interact with certain antiretroviral drugs used to treat HIV/AIDS, such as protease inhibitors and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. These interactions may affect the levels of both Myambutol and the antiretroviral drugs in the body, requiring dosage adjustments or careful monitoring.
4. Other medications: Myambutol may interact with medications such as certain antibiotics, antifungal drugs, and antiepileptic medications.
5. Alcohol: Drinking alcohol while taking Myambutol may increase the risk of liver toxicity. It is advisable to avoid alcohol or limit its consumption during the treatment period.

Warnings

Here are some important points to keep in mind:

1. Vision changes: Myambutol can cause optic neuritis, a condition that affects the optic nerve and may lead to vision changes, including blurred vision, decreased visual acuity, and color blindness.
2. Liver function: Medicament can affect liver function. Symptoms such as yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, abdominal pain, or persistent nausea and vomiting.
3. Kidney function: Antibiotic is primarily excreted through the kidneys.
4. Allergic reactions: Some individuals may be allergic to Myambutol. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing.
5. Drug resistance: Drug should be used as part of a comprehensive treatment regimen for tuberculosis. Taking it alone or not completing the full course of treatment may lead to the development of drug-resistant bacteria.
6. Interactions: Myambutol may interact with other medications, supplements, or substances.

Myambutol and Alcohol

It is generally advisable to avoid consuming alcohol while taking Myambutol. Drinking alcohol may increase the risk of liver toxicity associated with Ethambutol. The medication itself can also affect liver function, and combining it with alcohol may further strain the liver. This can potentially lead to liver damage or other adverse effects.

Moreover, alcohol can also impair judgment and coordination, which can be problematic if you are experiencing any side effects of Myambutol, such as vision changes or dizziness. It is important to prioritize your safety and well-being while undergoing treatment.

To ensure the effectiveness of your treatment and minimize the risk of complications, it is best to abstain from alcohol during the course of Myambutol therapy.

Myambutol and pregnancy

There have been evidences of ophthalmic abnormalities among infants born to women using Myambutol. Therefore, this drug should be used only when the benefits outweigh the risks involved.

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