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![]() Chemical structure of ethambutol (top) and photo of ethambutol crystals (bottom) | |
Clinical data | |
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Trade names | Myambutol, Etibi,[1] Servambutol, others |
Other names | (2S,2’S)-2,2’-(Ethane-1,2-diyldiimino)dibutan-1-ol[2] |
AHFS/Drugs.com | Monograph |
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Routes of administration | By mouth |
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Pharmacokinetic data | |
Protein binding | 20–30% |
Metabolism | liver |
Elimination half-life | 3–4 hours |
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ECHA InfoCard | 100.000.737 |
Chemical and physical data | |
Formula | C10H24N2O2 |
Molar mass | 204.314 g·mol−1 |
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Ethambutol (EMB, E) is a medication primarily used to treat tuberculosis.[4] It is usually given in combination with other tuberculosis medications, such as isoniazid, rifampicin and pyrazinamide.[5] It may also be used to treat Mycobacterium avium complex, and Mycobacterium kansasii.[4] It is taken by mouth.[4]
Common side effects include problems with vision, joint pain, nausea, headaches, and feeling tired.[4] Other side effects include liver problems and allergic reactions.[4] It is not recommended in people with optic neuritis, significant kidney problems, or under the age of five.[5] Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding has not been found to cause harm.[5][6] In the United States the FDA has raised concerns about eye issues in the baby if used during pregnancy.[4] Ethambutol is believed to work by interfering with the bacteria's metabolism.[4]
Ethambutol was discovered in 1961.[7] It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines[8] and is available as a generic medication.[1]