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.
