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Ethambutol (E)
Ethambutol inhibits mycobacterial arabinosyl transferases, disrupting the synthesis of the arabinogalactan component of the mycobacterial cell wall.
Ethambutol inhibits mycobacterial arabinosyl transferases, disrupting the synthesis of the arabinogalactan component of the mycobacterial cell wall. Used for Tuberculosis (TB), typically in combination with other anti-TB agents, Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection in immunocompromised patients.
At a glance
| Generic name | Ethambutol (E) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Emb |
| Sponsor | University College, London |
| Drug class | Antimycobacterial agent |
| Target | Arabinosyl transferases (EmbA, EmbB, EmbC) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Infectious Disease |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Ethambutol is a bacteriostatic agent that specifically targets enzymes involved in cell wall biosynthesis in mycobacteria. By inhibiting arabinosyl transferases, it prevents the incorporation of arabinose into arabinogalactan, a critical structural component of the mycobacterial cell wall. This disruption weakens cell wall integrity and halts bacterial growth.
Approved indications
- Tuberculosis (TB), typically in combination with other anti-TB agents
- Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection in immunocompromised patients
Common side effects
- Optic neuritis (vision changes, color blindness)
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Hyperuricemia
- Gastrointestinal disturbance
- Headache
Key clinical trials
- Shortened Regimen for Drug-susceptible TB in Children (PHASE3)
- Treatment of Tuberculosis Multidrug Resistance Treatment of Tuberculosis Multidrug Resistance
- AIPH-TB: AI-Optimised Pyrazinamide-Hydroxychloroquine vs Standard RIPE for Drug-Sensitive Pulmonary Tuberculosis - A Phase II RCT (PHASE2)
- Digitally Facilitated, Integrated Community and Facility-Based Interventions: The HEART-TB Trial Protocol (NA)
- Asymptomatic TB With Innovative Modified Short-course Regimens (PHASE4)
- ATORvastatin in Pulmonary TUBerculosis: a POPulation PharmacoKinetics -PharmacoDynamics Sub-study (ATORTUB popPK-PD) (PHASE2)
- Phase 2 Trial to Evaluate the Safety and Tolerability and Early Bactericidal Activity of RESP30TB in Tuberculosis (PHASE2)
- Determination of Adequate Tuberculosis Regimen in Patients Hospitalized With HIV-associated Severe Immune Suppression (PHASE3)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |