Drug Uses
Myambutol is a bacteriostatic antimycobacterial drug used to treat tuberculosis (TB) infections of the lung along with other medicines. It may also be prescribed for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
How it is taken
Myambutol can be taken by mouth with or without food to avoid an upset stomach. Take it for the entire duration of treatment preferably at the same time everyday. Do not stop without consulting your doctor.
If you are taking antacids containing aluminum hydroxide, then space it at least 4 hours after you take Myambutol.
The best way to use the drug is as recommended by your doctor.
Missed Dosage
If you miss a dose of Myambutol then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.
Storage
Store it at room temperature (between between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in an air tight container protecting it from direct exposure to light, heat and moisture. Keep away from pets and children.
Warnings/Precautions
Discuss with your doctor about any prior medical condition that you may have including allergies to medicines, food or other substances., if you are allergic to any ingredient in Myambutol, if you have gouty arthritis or are having a gout attack, if you have cataracts, recurrent eye inflammation, eye problems caused by diabetes (diabetic retinopathy), have kidney or liver problems.
You must not take Myambutol if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or if you have inflammation of the optic nerve (optic neuritis), you cannot determine if you are having vision changes, or you are unable to report vision changes to your doctor.
It is important to use Myambutol for the full course of treatment. Failure to do so may decrease the effectiveness of Myambutol and increase the risk that the bacteria will no longer be sensitive to it and will not be able to be treated by this or certain other antibiotics in the future.
Myambutol can only be used to cure certain bacterial infections. It cannot be used to cure viral infections.
Long term and repeated use may lead to a second infection. Contact your doctor immediately if this happens.
If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then stop using Myambutol and contact your doctor immediately.
It is unknown whether Myambutol is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug.
Certain drugs can interact with Myambutol and hence, mention clearly to your doctor or pharmacist all medicines, dietary supplements and herbal prescriptions that you are taking.
Myambutol should not be used in children below 13years of age as the safety and effectiveness of the drug have not been confirmed yet.
Possible Side Effects
Some of the common side effects of are Appetite loss, disorientation, dizziness, general body discomfort, headache, nausea, stomach upset or pain, vomiting. Please contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or become bothersome.
Other severe side effects include allergic reactions, chest pain or tightness, confusion, dark urine, easy bruising or bleeding, fever, chills, or sore throat, hallucinations, joint pain, swelling, or severe tenderness, lower back pain, numbness or tingling of the hands, legs, or feet, severe stomach pain, swollen glands in the neck or armpit, vision loss or other vision changes, yellowing of the skin or eyes.
You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.