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Compare Ethambutol vs. Sirturo

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

Key takeaways

Ethambutol (Myambutol) and bedaquiline (Sirturo) are both antitubercular agents used to treat tuberculosis (TB). However, they differ in their specific uses and characteristics. Ethambutol (Myambutol) is primarily used for treating TB infections in people over 13 years old and is taken with other TB antibiotics. It is also used off-label for some *Mycobacteria* infections. Bedaquiline (Sirturo), on the other hand, is reserved for multi-drug resistant TB when other antibiotics don't work. Ethambutol is taken once daily, while bedaquiline starts with a daily dose for two weeks, then shifts to three times a week. Ethambutol is available as a lower-cost generic, whereas bedaquiline is expensive and not available as a generic. Ethambutol can cause vision problems, while bedaquiline is linked to a higher risk of death and heart rhythm issues. Both medications can cause liver damage, so regular monitoring is necessary. Additionally, bedaquiline has specific drug interactions, such as with rifamycin antibiotics, which can affect its effectiveness.

  • Ethambutol (Myambutol)
    Sirturo (bedaquiline)
  • Ethambutol (Myambutol)
    Sirturo (bedaquiline)

  • Summary of Ethambutol vs. Sirturo

    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 Antitubercular agent
    Prescription only

    Sirturo (bedaquiline) is reserved for treating tuberculosis (TB) that's resistant to other antibiotics. It's an antitubercular agent that helps kill the bacteria causing TB. Sirturo (bedaquiline) is FDA approved for adults and children over the age of 2 who weigh at least 18 lbs. It's a tablet that you take by mouth. You first take the dose once daily for 2 weeks, and then you take half that dose three times a week for the next 22 weeks. Common side effects include nausea, joint pain, and headache. You must take Sirturo (bedaquiline) with other TB medications.

  • Indications of Ethambutol vs. Sirturo

    Indications for
    •Tuberculosis (TB) infection
    Indications for
    •Lung infection from tuberculosis (TB) that's resistant to or doesn't respond to other TB medications, including rifampin and isoniazid

  • Pros and Cons of Ethambutol vs. Sirturo

    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 Antitubercular agent
    Pros
    •Treats multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), which is a serious health problem with few antibiotic options
    •Okay for children as young as 2 years old to take
    •Taken once daily for 2 weeks, then 3 times a week for the rest of treatment
    •Have many options if you have trouble swallowing tablets whole
    •Can be given through a feeding tube, if needed
    Cons
    •Must have a healthcare professional watch you take the medication each time to make sure you follow your treatment plan
    •Must take multiple tablets for each dose and treatment lasts many months
    •Must take with at least 3 other TB medications
    •Only used if absolutely needed because of serious risks
    •Not for latent TB (inactive TB) or TB that's spread outside the lungs

  • Common Side Effects of Ethambutol vs. Sirturo

    Common Side Effects for
    •Blurry vision
    •Nausea or vomiting
    •Upset stomach
    •Stomach pain
    •Fever
    •Feeling unwell
    •Headache
    •Dizziness
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (38%)
    •Joint pain (33%)
    •Headache (28%)
    •Coughing up blood (18%)
    •Chest pain (11%)
    •Low appetite (9%)
    •Higher liver enzyme levels (9%)
    •Rash (8%)

    Note: Side effects were reported in adults taking Sirturo (bedaquiline) with other TB medications. Side effects might differ in children.

  • Warnings of Ethambutol vs. Sirturo

    Common Side Effects for
    •Vision problems
    •Liver injury
    Common Side Effects for
    •Heart rhythm problems
    •Possible higher risk of death based on adult studies
    •Liver damage
    •Drug interactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Ethambutol vs. Sirturo

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