Generic Myambutol

Myambutol can be generically prescribed as ethambutol and is often used for in the treatments of tuberculosis. Myambutol is an effective antibiotic for the treatment of tuberculosis as it prevents the tuberculosis bacteria from reproducing or growing in the body, allowing patients to heal from the infection. Myambutol should be taken for the entire length of the prescription to be sure that the infection has cleared up completely. While Myambutol is most effective on the tuberculosis bacteria, this medication can sometimes be used for other bacterial infections.

Myambutol is not appropriate for all patients and patients with a medical history which includes cataracts, kidney disease, diabetic retinopathy, or optic neuritis may not tolerate Myambutol well. A thorough medical assessment prior to prescribing this medication may prevent serious reactions in people with a compromised medical history.

Myambutol has not undergone testing to determine its effects on an unborn baby. Myambutol should be avoided in women who are pregnant or nursing.

Myambutol should be taken exactly as it has been prescribed, as taking too much of Myambutol or taking doses close together may lead to an overdose. An overdose of Myambutol requires emergency medical treatment and may present with symptoms which include possible disorientation, heart rhythm problems, and other unknown complications. If the patient misses a dose of Myambutol they should simply take it when remembered provided it is not nearing time for the next scheduled dose. If taking the medication places the doses too close together, the missed dose should be skipped to avoid the potential for an overdose. Missing too many doses is likely to result in a return of the infection.

There are side effects associated with Myambutol and some have a tendency to be quite severe. Patients who react severely to Myambutol require immediate emergency medical attention. Severe side effects include an allergic reaction, fever, confusion, disorientation, hallucinations, numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, legs, or arms, a skin rash, or changes in vision, especially those with green-red color blindness or blurring of the vision.

An allergic reaction can be life threatening and should be treated accordingly and emergency medical treatment should be sought. An allergic reaction is typically represented by symptoms which are likely to include hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat.

Less serious side effects are much more common and realistically don’t typically need any medical attention outside of being reported to the prescribing physician. Less serious side effects are likely to include headache, mild dizziness, mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, a decrease in appetite, joint pain, and worsening symptoms in patients previously diagnosed with gout. Patients should report any side effects they experience to the prescribing physician, even if they are not listed as a potential side effect.

Drug interactions may occur when taking Myambutol, and they can be life threatening, lessen the effectiveness of medications, or cause additional illness. Medications should never be prescribed without a patient medical history and patients should always inquire with the prescribing physician before taking any new medications, including over the counter medications and herbal remedies. Medications with known interactions with Myambutol include antacids and other medications which contain levels of aluminum.