Anti-TB medicinePrescription only
Ethambutol
Tablet
Quick Summary
Ethambutol helps prevent TB bacteria from becoming resistant to other medicines.
Tuberculosis
Medical Uses
Tuberculosis: Usually in the first months of treatment.
How it's taken
Taken once daily as part of the TB regimen.
Your doctor decides the right dose for you and how long to take it.
Your doctor decides the right dose for you. Follow their instructions and the label.
Common Side Effects
Vision changes
Blurred vision or colour changes: report straight away.
Nausea
Sometimes.
Joint pain
Rarely.
Interactions
Antacids
Take at a different time.
Critical Warnings
Eye damage
Black Box Warning: Stop and see a doctor for any change in vision or colour vision.
Kidney problems
Dose may need adjusting.
Sources and further reading
Last updated 21 October 2026. For more detail, see these trusted health organisations.
- Ethambutol: drug information(opens in a new tab) · MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine