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Ethambutol vs. Rifadin

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

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.

Ethambutol

(Myambutol)

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Rifampin

(Rifadin)

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Summary for Ethambutol

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.

Indications for Ethambutol

Pros and Cons for Ethambutol

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

Common Side Effects for Ethambutol

  • Blurry vision
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Upset stomach
  • Stomach pain
  • Fever
  • Feeling unwell
  • Headache
  • Dizziness

Warnings for Ethambutol

  • Vision problems
  • Liver injury

Summary for Rifadin

Prescription only

Rifampin (Rifadin) is an antibiotic used to treat active and latent tuberculosis (TB). It also helps prevent the spread of meningococcal infections by people who carriers of the bacteria, but aren't showing symptoms. Rifampin (Rifadin) is taken by mouth once or twice daily, depending on your medical conditions. If you're taking it for TB, your provider might prescribe other medications as well, like isoniazid. One side effect of rifampin (Rifadin) is that it can temporarily change the color of your teeth, body fluids, and even urine as a side effect.

Indications for Rifadin

  • Tuberculosis (TB)
  • Meningococcal carriers (when there's bacteria living in the nose and/or throat, but not causing infection)

Pros and Cons for Rifadin

Pros

  • One of the first-choice antibiotics for treating TB
  • Taken once daily for TB treatment
  • For people who carry the meningococcal bacteria, taking rifampin (Rifadin) for just 2 days helps prevent the spread of infection
  • Can be made into an oral suspension if you or your child has a hard time swallowing capsules
  • Available in an injectable form if you're in the hospital and can't take medications by mouth
  • Available as a lower-cost generic

Cons

  • Must be used in combination with other anti-TB antibiotics when treating active TB
  • Can change the color of your teeth and body fluids and stain your contact lenses
  • Skipping doses can quickly cause drug resistance, making it much harder to treat the infection.
  • Can cause liver injury, so it's recommended to avoid alcohol
  • Interacts with many medications, and can lower the medication levels in the body
  • Not recommended for the treatment of serious meningococcal infections

Common Side Effects for Rifadin

  • Temporary change in color (orange/yellow) of body fluids and teeth

Warnings for Rifadin

  • Liver injury
  • Not for treating meningococcal infection
  • Allergic reactions
  • Higher risk for bleeding
  • Caution in diabetes
  • More side effects if not taken once a day
  • Effects on hormones and vitamin D levels

Prices with our coupons for Ethambutol vs. Rifadin

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Ethambutol60 tablets / 400mg
$26.61$88.21
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Rifampin60 capsules / 300mg
$38.99$112.70
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