Combutol
Combutol is an antibacterial prescription medicine containing Ethambutol. It works by inhibiting the synthesis of metabolites, which in turn halts the growth and replication of Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. It is never used alone; it is always prescribed as part of a multi-drug regimen to prevent the emergence of drug resistance.
Dosage by Body Weight
Take Combutol exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually once daily with or without food. The dosage is strictly calculated based on the patient's body weight (typically 15 to 25 mg/kg). Regular ophthalmic screenings (eye tests) are mandatory during treatment as Ethambutol can occasionally cause optic neuritis affecting vision.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Not routine / 15-25 mg/kg
- Frequency
- Once daily under strict medical supervision
- Tracking Notes
- Ethambutol is generally used with extreme caution in infants and young children who cannot easily report visual side effects.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 75 mg to 150 mg
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Tracking Notes
- Calculated precisely based on 15-25 mg/kg daily target.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 120 mg to 200 mg
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Tracking Notes
- Doses may be rounded to match available tablet strengths safely.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 200 mg to 300 mg
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Tracking Notes
- Must be taken in combination with other prescribed anti-TB medications.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 300 mg to 400 mg
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Tracking Notes
- Periodic eye exams should be scheduled to monitor color vision and visual acuity.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Not routine / 15-25 mg/kg | Once daily under strict medical supervision | Ethambutol is generally used with extreme caution in infants and young children who cannot easily report visual side effects. |
| 5-7 kg | 75 mg to 150 mg | Once daily | Calculated precisely based on 15-25 mg/kg daily target. |
| 8-10 kg | 120 mg to 200 mg | Once daily | Doses may be rounded to match available tablet strengths safely. |
| 11-15 kg | 200 mg to 300 mg | Once daily | Must be taken in combination with other prescribed anti-TB medications. |
| 16-20 kg | 300 mg to 400 mg | Once daily | Periodic eye exams should be scheduled to monitor color vision and visual acuity. |
Formulation
Purpose
Used in combination with other antitubercular medications for the treatment of active pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis (TB).
Generic Name
Ethambutol HydrochlorideScheduled Drug
Yes. This medicine should be supplied or used only according to applicable prescription and regulatory requirements.