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Compare Ethambutol vs. Mycobutin

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Ethambutol (Myambutol) and Rifabutin (Mycobutin) are both antibiotics, but they are used for different purposes and belong to different drug classes. Ethambutol is an antitubercular agent primarily used to treat tuberculosis (TB) lung infections and must be taken with other anti-TB antibiotics. It can cause vision problems, so regular eye check-ups are necessary. Rifabutin, on the other hand, is a rifamycin antibiotic used to prevent Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infections in people with severe HIV. It can change the color of your body fluids and has many drug interactions, especially with HIV medications. Unlike Ethambutol, Rifabutin is not a first-choice medication for its primary use and is not recommended for treating TB. Both medications are taken orally and are available in generic forms.

  • Ethambutol (Myambutol)
    Rifabutin (Mycobutin)
  • Ethambutol (Myambutol)
    Rifabutin (Mycobutin)

  • Summary of Ethambutol vs. Mycobutin

    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 Rifamycin antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Rifabutin (Mycobutin) is used to prevent Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection in people with advanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It's available as a capsule that's taken by mouth, typically once daily. The most common side effect of rifabutin (Mycobutin) include temporarily change the color of your teeth, body fluids, and even urine.

  • Indications of Ethambutol vs. Mycobutin

    Indications for
    •Tuberculosis (TB) infection
    Indications for
    •Prevention of Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) disease in people with severe HIV infection

  • Pros and Cons of Ethambutol vs. Mycobutin

    Pros and Const for Antitubercular agent
    Pros
    •One of the main medications used to treat TB
    •Can take with or without food
    •Taken once a day
    Cons
    •Must take with other TB antibiotics
    •Risk of vision problems
    •Not approved for children younger than 13 years old
    Pros and Const for Rifamycin antibiotic
    Pros
    •Helps prevent MAC, a very serious infection, if you have severe HIV
    •Is an option for people who can't take azithromycin or clarithromycin to prevent MAC
    •Can take with or without food
    Cons
    •Isn't a first-choice medication for prevention of MAC in people with HIV
    •Interacts with many medications, including some HIV medications
    •Can change the color of your skin and body fluids, and stain your contact lenses

  • Common Side Effects of Ethambutol vs. Mycobutin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Blurry vision
    •Nausea or vomiting
    •Upset stomach
    •Stomach pain
    •Fever
    •Feeling unwell
    •Headache
    •Dizziness
    Common Side Effects for
    •Change in urine color (30%)
    •Low blood cell count (up to 25%)
    •Rash (11%)
    •Higher liver enzymes (7-9%)
    •Nausea (6%)

  • Warnings of Ethambutol vs. Mycobutin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Vision problems
    •Liver injury
    Common Side Effects for
    •Not for treatment of tuberculosis (TB)
    •Interactions with other medications
    •Serious allergic and skin reactions
    •Eye inflammation
    •Infectious diarrhea
    •Low blood cell counts

  • Prices with our coupons for Ethambutol vs. Mycobutin

    Learn more about Ethambutol
    Learn more about Rifabutin

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