Ethambutol

Overview
Ethambutol is a bacteriostatic antimycobacterial drug prescribed to treat tuberculosis (Mycobacterium tuberculosis). It is usually given in combination with other tuberculosis drugs, such as isoniazid, pyrazinamide and rifampicin.

It is sold under the name "Myambutol".

Bacteriostatic against actively growing TB bacilli, it works by obstructing the formation of cell wall. Mycolic acids attach to the 5'-hydroxyl groups of D-arabinose residues of arabinogalactan and form mycolyl-arabinogalactan-peptidoglycan complex in the cell wall. Disruption of the arabinogalactan synthesis inhibits the formation of this complex and leads to increased permeability of the cell wall.

Pharmacokinetics
It is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and well distributed in body tissues and fluids, 50% is execreted unchanged in urine.

Side Effects

 * Optic neuritis
 * Red-green color blindness
 * Peripheral neuropathy
 * Arthralgia

External link

 * Medline Plus drug information

Ethambutol Etambutol Ethambutol