Ethambutol
Also known as: Myambutol, Etibi
- **Public Health Warning:** Mycobacterial infections (like tuberculosis) can be transmitted to humans. You are strongly encouraged to contact a physician, preferably an infectious disease specialist, for guidance, especially if there are immunocompromised individuals in the home. - **Treatment Commitment:** Treatment is very prolonged (many months to over a year) and can be expensive. - **Administration:** May be administered with or without food. - **Vision Monitoring:** This medication can affect vision. Report any changes noted with your pet's eyes or vision (e.g., bumping into objects, altered pupil appearance) to the veterinarian immediately.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Treatment of feline tuberculosis (resistant cases)
- Treatment of M. avium infections in caged birds (Protocol 1)
- Treatment of M. avium infections in caged birds (Protocol 2)
- Treatment of M. avium infections in caged birds (Protocol 3)
- Avian mycobacteriosis
- Treatment of disseminated M. tuberculosis
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Optic neuritis (decreased visual acuity, usually reversible)
- CNS degenerative changes (with prolonged use)
- Myocardial toxicity (at high doses)
- Depigmentation of the tapetum lucidum
- Bacterial or fungal overgrowth (due to prolonged multi-drug antimicrobial therapy)
Cautions & contraindications
- Patients with a history of prior hypersensitivity reactions to ethambutol
- Use with caution in patients with markedly reduced renal function; dosage adjustments may be necessary. Treatment of mycobacterial infections in animals carries significant public health risks. Routine ophthalmologic exams are recommended for long-term use due to the risk of optic neuritis.
Drug interactions
- Aluminum-containing antacids: Can reduce oral absorption of ethambutol; separate dosing by at least 4 hours if both are necessary
Frequently asked questions
What is Ethambutol used for in pets?
- **Public Health Warning:** Mycobacterial infections (like tuberculosis) can be transmitted to humans. You are strongly encouraged to contact a physician, preferably an infectious disease specialist, for guidance, especially if there are immunocompromised individuals in the home. - **Treatment Commitment:** Treatment is very prolonged (many months to over a year) and can be expensive. - **Administration:** May be administered with or without food. - **Vision Monitoring:** This medication can affect vision. Report any changes noted with your pet's eyes or vision (e.g., bumping into objects, altered pupil appearance) to the veterinarian immediately.
Is Ethambutol safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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