Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Ethambutol (Myambutol) and moxifloxacin (Avelox) are both antibiotics, but they treat different types of infections and belong to different drug classes. Ethambutol (Myambutol) is an antitubercular agent used primarily to treat tuberculosis (TB) and must be taken with other anti-TB antibiotics. It can cause vision problems, so regular eye check-ups are necessary. Moxifloxacin (Avelox), on the other hand, is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections, including lung, skin, and sinus infections. It has serious potential side effects like tendon rupture and nerve damage, making it a choice for more severe infections or when other options aren't available. While both medications are taken orally and typically once a day, moxifloxacin (Avelox) has a broader range of uses but also a higher risk of severe side effects compared to ethambutol (Myambutol). Both medications are availible in generic forms.
Ethambutol (Myambutol)
Moxifloxacin (Avelox)
Ethambutol (Myambutol)
Moxifloxacin (Avelox)
Summary of Ethambutol vs. Avelox
Summary for Antitubercular agent
Prescription only
Ethambutol, also known by its brand name Myambutol, is an antibiotic that's used to treat tuberculosis (TB) for people over 13 years old. It's taken with other TB antibiotics as part of a first-choice treatment plan. Ethambutol (Myambutol) works by stopping TB bacteria from growing and surviving. Your dose is based on your body weight. In general, this antibiotic is taken by mouth once a day. Ethambutol (Myambutol) can cause vision problems as a side effect. You'll need to get your eyes checked periodically while you're taking this medication.
Summary for Fluoroquinolone antibiotic
Prescription only
Moxifloxacin (Avelox) is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. It can treat different types of infections, including certain skin infections and lung infections, in adults. But because moxifloxacin (Avelox) can cause serious side effects, such as tendon rupture and nerve damage, it's usually only prescribed for more serious infections or when safer options aren't available. Moxifloxacin (Avelox) is taken by mouth, typically once daily. Some of the more common side effects of this medication include nausea, diarrhea, and headache. Moxifloxacin is generic only, brand-name Avelox is no longer available.