etambutoliin

Etambutoliin is a medication used in the treatment of tuberculosis. It belongs to a class of drugs known as bacteriostatic antimycobacterial agents. Etambutoliin works by inhibiting arabinosyl transferases, enzymes essential for the synthesis of arabinogalactan, a crucial component of the mycobacterial cell wall. This disruption weakens the cell wall, ultimately leading to the death of the bacteria. It is typically used in combination with other antituberculosis drugs, such as isoniazid, rifampicin, and pyrazinamide, to prevent the development of drug resistance. The combination therapy is standard practice for treating active tuberculosis infections. The dosage and duration of etambutoliin therapy are determined by the specific treatment regimen, patient factors, and the susceptibility of the infecting strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Common side effects include visual disturbances, such as decreased visual acuity and red-green color blindness. Therefore, regular eye examinations are recommended during treatment. Other potential side effects may include gastrointestinal upset and hypersensitivity reactions. Etambutoliin is generally administered orally. Its use is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the drug. Careful consideration is given to patients with pre-existing ocular conditions.