Generic Myambutol

Common use

Myambutol is an antibiotic used to treat tuberculosis. It is active only against actively propagating cells of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Myambutol inhibits synthesis of bacterial RNA, affects cell metabolism, stops reproduction and death of bacteria. Myambutol can be used against mycobacteria resistant to streptomycin, isoniazid, ethionamide, kanamycin.



Dosage and directions

Follow all recommendations of your doctor about this medication. Do not start or stop it without your doctor's permission. To prevent stomach upset take with a meal or milk. Kidney failure requires correction of the dose.



Precautions

Myambutol unless combined with one or more other tuberculosis medicines may cause fast growth of resistant bacterial strains.



Contraindications

This medicine is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to it, individuals with optic neuritis, cataract, diabetic retinopathy, inflammatory diseases of eyes, gout, in children under 13 years of age, in pregnant and breastfeeding women, patients with chronic kidney failure.



Possible side effect

The first most common reactions of organism to Myambutol are stomach upset, dizziness, fatigue, and headache. These symptoms should disappear when the body accustoms to the medication. In case of worsening of the symptoms notify your doctor immediately. If any signs of allergy develop notify your doctor promptly: rash, swelling, numbness or tingling of the hands or feet. Any vision changes, inability to distinguish green and red colors, sudden color blindness, blurred vision require urgent doctor's attention. To avoid permanent and even fatal liver disease tell your doctor immediately about persistent or severe nausea, vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine, jaundice.



Drug interaction

Myambutol increases effects of anti-tuberculosis medications, neurotoxicity of cyprofloxin, carbamazepine, asparaginase, amynoglycosides, Li+ salts, imipenem, metotrexat, quinine.



Missed dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time of your next dose. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up the missed dose.



Overdose

Symptoms of overdose are unknown. If you suppose that too much of Myambutol was taken seek immediate medical attention.



Storage

Store at room temperature in a tight container, away from moisture and humidity.



Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.

Clinical Verification

Last Clinically Updated: August 15, 2026

Written By

Dr. Elena Vance, PharmD

Clinical Specialist in Neuropharmacology

Fact Checked By

Marcus Thorne, MS

Biomedical Data & FDA Label Verification

Medically Reviewed By

Dr. Arthur Campbell, MD

Board-Certified Psychiatrist (ABPN)