Ethambutol/isoniazid

Ethambutol/Isoniazid

Ethambutol/Isoniazid is a combination antibiotic therapy used in the treatment of tuberculosis. This combination therapy is often used as a first-line treatment for active tuberculosis due to the synergistic effects of the two drugs.

Ethambutol

Ethambutol is an antibiotic that works by inhibiting the synthesis of the cell wall of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. It is bacteriostatic, meaning it inhibits the growth and reproduction of bacteria, but does not kill them directly. Ethambutol is usually used in combination with other antibiotics, such as isoniazid, to prevent the development of drug resistance.

Isoniazid

Isoniazid is also an antibiotic used in the treatment of tuberculosis. It is bactericidal, meaning it kills the bacteria directly. Isoniazid works by inhibiting the synthesis of mycolic acids, an essential component of the bacterial cell wall. Like ethambutol, isoniazid is often used in combination with other antibiotics to prevent the development of drug resistance.

Combination Therapy

The combination of ethambutol and isoniazid is often used as a first-line treatment for active tuberculosis. This is due to the synergistic effects of the two drugs, which together are more effective than either drug alone. The combination therapy also helps to prevent the development of drug resistance, which is a major concern in the treatment of tuberculosis.

Side Effects

The most common side effects of ethambutol/isoniazid therapy include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In rare cases, the therapy can cause hepatotoxicity, or liver damage, and optic neuritis, a condition that can lead to vision loss. Patients undergoing ethambutol/isoniazid therapy are usually monitored closely for these potential side effects.