Ethambutol Fact Sheet

Medication Information

Ethambutol is an antibiotic medication. It is used to treat Tuberculosis Disease (TB) in combination with other medications.

The TB germs (bacteria) are very strong and are hard to get rid of. You will need to take this medication for two or more months to kill the TB bacteria. Your health care provider will decide how many months you will need to take the medication.

Taking the Medication

• It is important to take this medication every day at the same time, for example, always before going to bed or always first thing in the morning.
• This medication can be taken with or without food.
• Take all the medication that you are prescribed.
• Even if you start to feel better, it is important to keep taking this medication until your healthcare provider tells you to stop. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you stop taking your medication.
• See your healthcare provider on a regular basis while you are taking this medication and follow instructions regarding blood work.

Possible Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:

• Changes in your vision (how you see colors, or if your vision becomes blurry).  
• Widespread skin rash or blistering of the skin and mucous membranes, facial swelling, swollen lymph nodes
• Loss of appetite
• Headache, dizziness, confusion or disorientation
• Fever and feeling weak or tired
• Nausea/vomiting/upset stomach/abdominal pain
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes
• Numbness and tingling in hands or feet
• Joint pain, swelling, redness, or gout

If you are concerned about these or any other side effects, call your healthcare provider.

Precautions

• Do not drink alcohol. Drinking alcohol can increase the chance of liver problems while you are taking Ethambutol.
• Talk to your healthcare provider about other medications you are taking or any new medications that you start taking including any drugs, vitamins, minerals, natural supplements, or alternative medicines.
• Ophthalmoscopy and tests for visual acuity, visual fields and colour discrimination are recommended before beginning treatment and periodically during treatment. More frequent examinations may be recommended by your healthcare provider.
• Follow your healthcare provider’s advice about taking this medication if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Do not share your medication with anyone.

Drug Interactions

• If you take antacids (e.g. Tums®, Rolaids®), take Ethambutol at least four hours before or after taking the antacid.

Missed Doses

• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time to take your next dose, do not take the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Storage

Store the medication at room temperature in a cool dry place. Do not put it in the refrigerator. Keep out of reach and sight of children.

A public health nurse will contact you on a regular basis while taking Ethambutol.

For further information, please contact the Communicable Disease Control Program at 705-474-1400 or toll free at 1-800-563-2808, ext. 5229 or email us at cdc@healthunit.ca.

References

Bausch Health, Canada Inc. (2025). Product Monograph Including Patient Medication Information: Etibi Ethambutol Hydrochloride Tablets for oral use 100 & 400 mg, USP. Retrieved from: https://pdf.hres.ca/dpd_pm/00082029.PDF

Created: Sep 2026, by CDC