Spectrum: Local Antimicrobial Stewardship, for UCLA Health

Ethambutol

C. diff Risk

Low

Oral Bioavailability

Moderate

Approximate Cost

$

Spectrum Of Activity

General Spectrum of Activity

Spectrum Of Activity

Dosing

Adult

Renal - Adult

Hepatic - Adult

No adjustments

Pediatric

General Information

Common Usage

Common Usage

Treatment of TB and NTM

Drug Monitoring

Drug Monitoring

Laboratory

  • Baseline and period CBC with diff, CMP

Clinical

  • Baseline and periodic (monthly) visual testing (Snellen test) and color discrimination tests

Adverse Effects

Adverse Effects

  •  Hepatotoxicity

  •  Color blindness

  •  Decreased visual acuity

  •  Optic neuritis

  •  Visual disturbance

  •  CBC abnormalities

  •  Rashes

  •  GI upset

  •  CNS abnormalities

  •  Nephritis

Major Interactions

Major Interactions

Aluminum may decrease ethambutol.

Interactions with oral Typhoid vaccine, BCG, cholera vaccine.

Additional Information

Additional Information

Baseline eye exam required at start of therapy