Key takeaways
Ethambutol (Myambutol) and Rifampin (Rifadin) are both antibiotics used to treat tuberculosis (TB), but they have some key differences. Ethambutol (Myambutol) is an antitubercular agent that works by stopping TB bacteria from building their protective covering, and it must be used with other anti-TB antibiotics. It can cause vision problems, so regular eye check-ups are necessary. Rifampin (Rifadin), a rifamycin antibiotic, blocks an enzyme needed by bacteria to make proteins, and it can be used alone for latent TB or with other medications for active TB. Rifampin (Rifadin) can change the color of your body fluids and teeth, and it interacts with many other medications. Both medications can cause liver injury, but Rifampin (Rifadin) also has a risk of severe allergic reactions and bleeding problems. Ethambutol (Myambutol) is only available in tablet form, while Rifampin (Rifadin) can be taken orally or intravenously and can be made into an oral suspension.
