MedicinerestrictedEssential

Ethambutol

Antibiotic tablet used with other drugs to treat pulmonary tuberculosis.

Clinical information

Common uses

pulmonary tuberculosis, always combined with other TB drugs

Common side effects

nausea and vomiting
loss of appetite
stomach upset
headache
dizziness

Cautions

can damage eyesight (optic neuritis) — report any vision change promptly
rarely irreversible blindness — regular eye tests needed
not for young children or anyone unable to report vision changes
liver toxicity reported — liver tests recommended

Interactions

aluminium hydroxide antacids (reduce absorption — separate by 4 hours)

Pregnancy: only if the benefit justifies the risk

Reference information, not medical advice — always follow your doctor or pharmacist. Source: DailyMed, dailymed.nlm.nih.gov, ethambutol hydrochloride label, setid c12b3482-55f0-4324-bdcd-b129ca2dae73 (accessed 2026-08-16)

Approved brands & formulations6

Brand name	Dosage form	Strength	Importer	Category
Ethambutol	Tablet	600mg	—	restricted
Ethambutol	Tablet	100mg	—	restricted
Ethambutol	Tablet	100mg	—	restricted
Ethambutol	Tablet	400mg	—	restricted
Ethambutol	Tablet	400mg	—	restricted
Ethambutol	Tablet	200mg	—	restricted