Ethambutol

Administration

• Type: Antibiotic, anti-TB
• Dosage Forms:
• Routes of Administration: Oral
• Common Trade Names:

Adult Dosing

• 15-25 mg/kg PO daily (in combination with other agents)

Pediatric Dosing

• 15-25mg/kg PO daily

Special Populations

• Pregnancy Rating: C
• Lactation risk: Infant risk is minimal
• Renal dosing:
  • Adjust dose/frequency based on serum drug levels if CrCl <79mL/min
  • CrCl <10: 15-25mg/kg q48h OR 3 times per week
  • CrCl 10-15: 10-25mg/kg q24-36h
  • Hemodialysis: 15-25mg/kg 3 times per week after HD
• Hepatic dosing:

Contraindications

• Allergy to class/drug
• Inability to appreciate or report visual side effects (e.g. infants, comatose)

Adverse Reactions

Serious

• Optic neuritis
• Hepatotoxicity

Pharmacology

• Half-life: 2.5-4h
• Metabolism: Liver
• Excretion: Renal, fecal

Mechanism of Action

• Inhibits mycobacteria synthesis of metabolites, thus impairing cell metabolism/multiplication

See Also

• Tuberculosis