ETHAMBUTOL HYDROCHLORIDE (e-tham'byoo-tole)
Etibi , Myambutol Classifications: antituberculosis agent; Therapeutic:antitubercular Prototype: Isoniazid Pregnancy Category: B
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Availability
100 mg, 400 mg tablets
Action
Mode of action not completely understood, but it appears to inhibit RNA synthesis and thus arrests multiplication of tubercle
bacilli. The emergence of resistant strains is delayed by administering ethambutol in combination with other antituberculosis
drugs.
Therapeutic Effect
Synthetic antituberculosis agent with bacteriostatic effect. Also effective against atypical mycobacterial infections.
Uses
In conjunction with other antituberculosis agents in treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis.
Unlabeled Uses
Atypical mycobacterial infections.
Contraindications
Optic neuritis; hypersensitivity to ethambutol; optic neuritis, patients unable to report changes in vision (young children,
or unconscious patients); children <6 y.
Cautious Use
Renal impairment, hepatic disease; gout; ocular defects (e.g., cataract, recurrent ocular inflammatory conditions, diabetic
retinopathy); pregnancy (category B).
Route & Dosage
Tuberculosis Adult: PO 15 mg/kg q24h; for retreatment start with 25 mg/kg/d for 60 d, then decrease to 15 mg/kg/d Child (612 y): PO 1015 mg/kg/d
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Administration
Oral
- Give with food if GI irritation occurs.
- Protect ethambutol from light, moisture, and excessive heat. Store at 15°30° C (59°86°
F) in tightly closed container unless otherwise directed.
Adverse Effects (≥1%)
CNS: Headache, dizziness, confusion, hallucinations, paresthesias, joint pains.
Special Senses: Ocular toxicity:
retrobulbar optic neuritis; possibility of anterior optic
neuritis with decrease in visual acuity, temporary loss of vision, constriction of visual fields,
redgreen color blindness, central and peripheral scotomas, eye pain, photophobia; retinal hemorrhage and edema.
GI: Anorexia, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain.
Body as a Whole: Hypersensitivity (pruritus, dermatitis,
anaphylaxis).
Interactions
Drug: Aluminum-containing antacids can decrease absorption.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: 7080% from GI tract.
Peak: 24 h.
Distribution: Distributes to most body tissues; highest concentrations in erythrocytes, kidney, lungs, saliva; crosses placenta; distributed
into breast milk.
Metabolism: In liver.
Elimination: 50% in urine within 24 h; 2022% in feces.
Half-Life: 34 h.
Nursing Implications
Assessment & Drug Effects
- Perform C&S prior to and periodically throughout therapy.
- Perform ophthalmoscopic examination prior to and at monthly intervals during therapy. Test eyes separately as well as together.
- Note: Ocular toxicity generally appears within 17 mo after start of therapy. Symptoms usually disappear within several weeks
to months after drug is discontinued, depending on degree of ocular damage.
- Monitor I&O ratio in patients with renal impairment. Report oliguria or any significant changes in ratio or in laboratory
reports of kidney function. Systemic accumulation with toxicity can result from delayed drug excretion.
- Lab tests: Perform liver and kidney function tests, CBC, and serum uric acid levels at regular intervals throughout therapy.
Patient & Family Education
- Adhere to drug regimen exactly and keep follow-up appointments.
- Notify physician promptly of the onset of blurred vision, changes in color perception, constriction of visual fields, or any
other visual symptoms. Have eyes checked periodically. Ethambutol can cause irreversible blindness due to optic neuritis.