anacox-e 800mg tablet - Ethambutol (800mg) medicine

Ethambutol 800 mg Tablet: Comprehensive Guide

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🏭 Ajanta Pharma Ltd 📦 Varies by brand 💊 Allopathy 📅 Updated: Sep 25, 2026
⚠️ Hepatotoxicity Risk ⚠️ Nephrotoxicity Risk 📋 Prescription Required 💊 Generic Available
Medically Reviewed
11 min read
Evidence: High
Reviewed by
SaathiMed Expert Panel | Sep 25, 2026
🩺
Medically Fact-Checked & Clinically Verified by SaathiMed Clinical Review Board
Clinical Reference Standards: CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation), Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) & WHO | Last Updated: September 2026

When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY

  • Sudden vision loss or blurred vision
  • Decreased ability to see red and green colors
  • Numbness or tingling in hands or feet
  • Severe skin rash or blistering
  • Yellowing of eyes or skin
  • Dark urine or severe abdominal pain
  • Difficulty breathing or swelling of face or throat

If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.

What is anacox-e 800mg tablet used for?

Ethambutol 800 mg tablet is an antitubercular medicine used in combination with other drugs to treat tuberculosis. It works by stopping the growth of TB bacteria. It is taken orally, usually once daily, and requires regular eye check-ups.

  • Generic Name: Ethambutol
  • Manufacturer: Ajanta Pharma Ltd
  • Form: Allopathy
  • Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
  • Prescription Required: Yes

🇮🇳 anacox-e 800mg tablet के बारे में (Hindi Summary)

उपयोग: यह दवा एथाम्बुटोल (800 मिलीग्राम) युक्त है और मुख्य रूप से तपेदिक (टीबी) के इलाज के लिए अन्य दवाओं के साथ मिलाकर उपयोग की जाती है। यह टीबी के बैक्टीरिया की कोशिका भित्ति को नष्ट करके उनकी वृद्धि को रोकती है। यह दवा अकेले नहीं ली जानी चाहिए क्योंकि इससे दवा प्रतिरोध हो सकता है।

साइड इफेक्ट्स: आम दुष्प्रभावों में मतली, उल्टी, पेट दर्द, भूख न लगना, सिरदर्द, चक्कर आना और जोड़ों में दर्द शामिल हैं। गंभीर दुष्प्रभावों में दृष्टि में बदलाव (धुंधला दिखना, रंगों में फर्क), हाथ-पैरों में झुनझुनी, एलर्जी, और लिवर की समस्या शामिल हैं। कोई भी असामान्य लक्षण दिखने पर तुरंत डॉक्टर से संपर्क करें।

सुरक्षा सलाह: इस दवा को डॉक्टर के बताए अनुसार ही लें। बीच में न छोड़ें। खाने के साथ या बिना खाने के ले सकते हैं, लेकिन पेट खराब हो तो खाने के साथ लें। शराब न पिएं। गुर्दे या आंखों की बीमारी हो तो डॉक्टर को बताएं। नियमित आंखों की जांच कराएं।

💡 Did You Know? The Indian pharmaceutical market is expected to reach $130 billion by 2030.

💊 anacox-e 800mg tablet Uses & Benefits

[{"condition":"Tuberculosis (TB)","description":"Used in combination with other antitubercular drugs for the treatment of active pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection","description":"Sometimes used as part of a combination regimen for MAC infections in immunocompromised patients.","evidence":"Established in specific settings"}]

Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Atypical mycobacterial infections","description":"May be used off-label for other nontuberculous mycobacterial infections under specialist guidance.","evidence":"Limited"}]

Primary treatment for: Tuberculosis

Also treats: Mycobacterium avium complex infection

📋 Drug Information

Generic Name(s)Ethambutol
Brand NameActol 800mg Tablet
ManufacturerAjanta Pharma Ltd
Packaging / FormVaries by brand (Allopathy)
Therapeutic ClassANTI INFECTIVES
Action ClassMycobacterial cell wall inhibitors-Ethambutol
Route of AdministrationOral
StorageStore at room temperature (15-30°C) in a dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep in the original container.
Shelf Life24 months from the date of manufacture.
WHO GuidelineEthambutol is included in WHO guidelines for the treatment of drug-susceptible tuberculosis as part of combination therapy.
ICMR GuidelineICMR guidelines recommend ethambutol as part of the intensive phase of antitubercular therapy for drug-susceptible TB.

👨‍⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips

Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians

1
Always take this medicine in combination with other antitubercular drugs as prescribed.
2
Get a baseline eye examination before starting treatment and periodically thereafter.
3
Report any changes in vision, such as blurred vision or difficulty distinguishing colors, immediately.
4
Take the tablet at the same time each day to maintain consistent blood levels.
5
If you have kidney disease, your doctor may adjust the dose based on your kidney function.
6
Avoid alcohol to reduce the risk of liver problems.
7
Do not stop treatment early, even if you feel better, to prevent drug resistance.

🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?

Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.

✅
Persistent cough
This medicine is used as part of TB treatment.
Likely Use
✅
Fever
May be used in combination for TB-related fever.
Likely Use
❌
Common cold
This medicine is not effective against viral infections.
Not Primary

🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)

Pharmacokinetics

AbsorptionEthambutol is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract after oral administration. Absorption is not significantly affected by food.
DistributionEthambutol distributes widely into body tissues and fluids, including lungs, kidneys, and erythrocytes. It crosses the placenta and is excreted in breast milk.
Protein BindingApproximately 20-30% bound to plasma proteins.
MetabolismEthambutol is partially metabolized in the liver, but a significant portion is excreted unchanged.
Half-LifeThe elimination half-life is approximately 3-4 hours in patients with normal renal function, but it can be prolonged in patients with renal impairment.
ExcretionEthambutol is primarily excreted unchanged in the urine by glomerular filtration and tubular secretion. About 50% of an oral dose is excreted unchanged in the urine within 24 hours, and up to 20% is excreted in feces.
BioavailabilityApproximately 75-80% of an oral dose is absorbed.
Onset of ActionThe onset of action is not immediate; it may take several days to weeks to observe clinical improvement in tuberculosis.
Peak Plasma TimePeak plasma concentrations are reached 2-4 hours after oral administration.
Duration of ActionThe duration of action is not well-defined, but the drug is usually administered once daily.

How It Works

Ethambutol inhibits the enzyme arabinosyl transferase, which is involved in the polymerization of arabinogalactan, a key component of the mycobacterial cell wall. This disruption weakens the cell wall, making the bacteria more susceptible to other drugs and leading to cell death. It is bacteriostatic at usual doses but can be bactericidal at higher concentrations.

Mechanism Steps

1
Uptake into mycobacteria: Ethambutol enters the mycobacterial cell and accumulates in the cytoplasm.
2
Inhibition of arabinosyl transferase: Ethambutol binds to and inhibits arabinosyl transferase, an enzyme encoded by the embB gene.
3
Disruption of cell wall synthesis: Inhibition of arabinosyl transferase prevents the proper formation of arabinogalactan, a critical component of the mycobacterial cell wall.
4
Bacterial growth inhibition: The weakened cell wall leads to impaired bacterial growth and increased susceptibility to other antitubercular drugs.

💡 How to Take anacox-e 800mg tablet

Strength: Ethambutol 800 mg immediate-release tablet

1Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
2Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.
3You may take it with or without food.
4If it causes stomach upset, take it with a meal.
5Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet unless instructed.
6Take at the same time each day to maintain consistent levels.

Dosage Information

Adult DosageThe usual adult dose of Ethambutol for tuberculosis is 15-25 mg/kg body weight once daily, depending on the treatment regimen and patient factors. For the 800 mg tablet, the dose may be adjusted based on body weight. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function.
Pediatric DosagePediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatrician.
Elderly DosageElderly patients may have reduced renal function; dose adjustment may be necessary. Monitor renal function and vision closely.
Renal ImpairmentDose reduction is required in patients with renal impairment. The dose should be adjusted based on creatinine clearance. Consult a clinician for individualized dosing.
Hepatic ImpairmentNo specific dose adjustment is recommended for hepatic impairment, but monitor liver function if used with other hepatotoxic drugs.
Maximum Daily DoseThe maximum recommended daily dose is 25 mg/kg, but should not exceed 2.5 g per day. Individualized by clinician.

Dosage Timeline

🌅 Morning ❌ ☀️ Afternoon ❌ 🌆 Evening ❌ 🌙 Night ❌

🍽️ Food Timing Guide

With food
May take with or without food
Food does not significantly affect absorption.
Alcohol
Avoid
May increase risk of liver toxicity.

⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose

📌 Less than 12 hours since missed dose
→ Take the missed dose as soon as you remember.
💡 Continue with the regular schedule.
📌 More than 12 hours since missed dose
→ Skip the missed dose.
💡 Do not double dose to catch up.

⚠️ Side Effects of anacox-e 800mg tablet

✅ Common Side Effects

Nausea (Common (5-10%))
Take with food to reduce nausea. If persistent, consult your doctor.
Vomiting (Common (5-10%))
Stay hydrated. If vomiting is severe or persistent, contact your doctor.
Abdominal pain (Common (5-10%))
Take with meals. If pain is severe, seek medical advice.
Loss of appetite (Common (5-10%))
Eat small, frequent meals. Consult your doctor if it persists.
Headache (Common (5-10%))
Rest and stay hydrated. If headache is severe or persistent, consult your doctor.
Dizziness (Common (5-10%))
Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.
Joint pain (Common (5-10%))
Consult your doctor if pain interferes with daily activities.

🚨 Serious Side Effects

Optic neuritis (Uncommon (1-5%))
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience blurred vision, decreased color vision, or vision loss.
Peripheral neuropathy (Uncommon (1-5%))
Report numbness, tingling, or burning in hands or feet to your doctor promptly.
Allergic reactions (Rare (<0.1%))
Seek emergency care if you develop rash, itching, swelling of face or throat, or difficulty breathing.
Liver toxicity (Rare (<0.1%))
Report yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, or severe abdominal pain to your doctor immediately.

⚠️ Rare Side Effects

Severe skin reactions (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome)
Seek emergency medical care if you develop a severe rash with blistering or peeling skin.
Blood disorders (e.g., thrombocytopenia, leukopenia)
Report unusual bleeding, bruising, or signs of infection to your doctor.
Kidney damage
Report decreased urine output or swelling to your doctor.

Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.

🔬 Drug Interactions

Drug Severity Effect
Aluminum hydroxide Major
Isoniazid Moderate
Rifampicin Moderate
Ethionamide Minor

🚨 Major Interactions

  • Aluminum hydroxide (antacids)

⚡ Moderate Interactions

  • Isoniazid
  • Rifampicin

🍷 Alcohol Interaction

Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine as it may increase the risk of liver toxicity and worsen side effects such as dizziness.

🔎 Check Your Other Medicines

Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.

🛡️ Safety & Warnings

🚫 Contraindications

["Known hypersensitivity to ethambutol","Pre-existing optic neuritis","Inability to report visual symptoms (e.g., young children, unconscious patients)","Severe renal impairment without dose adjustment"]

⚠️ Warnings & Precautions

["Optic neuritis: May cause vision changes; baseline and periodic eye exams are recommended.","Renal impairment: Dose reduction needed; monitor renal function.","Peripheral neuropathy: Report numbness or tingling.","Hepatotoxicity: Rare but possible; monitor liver enzymes if combined with other hepatotoxic drugs.","Use in children: Not recommended for young children who cannot report visual symptoms.","Pregnancy: Use only if clearly needed; consult doctor.","Breastfeeding: Excreted in breast milk; consult doctor."]

🤱 Lactation Safety

Ethambutol is excreted in breast milk in small amounts. It is considered safe during breastfeeding, but consult your doctor.

💊 Overdose Management

Overdose may cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and visual disturbances. Seek immediate medical attention. Treatment is supportive and symptomatic. Gastric lavage may be considered if ingestion is recent. Hemodialysis may be beneficial in severe cases.

⏰ Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Additional Safety Advice

General Safety

Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not skip doses or stop treatment early, as this can lead to treatment failure and drug resistance. Take the tablet with or without food, but if it causes stomach upset, take it with a meal. Avoid alcohol while on this medicine to reduce the risk of liver problems. Inform your doctor if you have kidney disease, eye problems, or diabetes, as dose adjustments may be needed. Regular eye check-ups and kidney function tests are important. Use effective contraception during treatment if you are of childbearing age. Do not share this medicine with others. Keep out of reach of children.

👴 Special Considerations for Elderly

💡 For Patients Above 65

Elderly patients may have reduced renal function and are at higher risk of side effects. Dose adjustment may be needed. Regular monitoring of vision and kidney function is important.

🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)

If you are planning pregnancy, consult your doctor. Ethambutol is considered safe in pregnancy when prescribed for TB. Use effective contraception if you are taking other drugs that may harm the fetus.

🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations

Inform your surgeon and anesthesiologist that you are taking Ethambutol. It is generally safe to continue during surgery, but your doctor will advise.

🦷 Dental Procedures

Inform your dentist that you are taking this medicine. No specific precautions are usually needed, but maintain good oral hygiene.

💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results

🏃
Maintain a healthy diet to support your immune system.
🥗
Get plenty of rest to help your body fight the infection.
😴
Avoid alcohol to reduce liver strain.
💧
Take your medicine at the same time every day.
🧘
Keep all follow-up appointments with your doctor.
🌞
Practice good hygiene to prevent spreading TB to others.

🏋️ Exercise Considerations

Moderate exercise is generally safe, but if you experience dizziness or fatigue, avoid strenuous activities. Consult your doctor before starting any new exercise routine.

🥗 Diet Recommendations

Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
Include protein-rich foods to support recovery.
Stay well hydrated.
Avoid alcohol and limit caffeine.

💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life

This medicine may cause dizziness or fatigue in some people. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you. Most people can continue their normal activities, but listen to your body and rest when needed.

🛑 When to Stop This Medicine

Do not stop this medicine without consulting your doctor. Stopping early can lead to treatment failure and drug resistance. If you experience serious side effects, contact your doctor immediately for guidance.

📅 Long-Term Use Effects

Long-term use of Ethambutol is generally well-tolerated when monitored appropriately. The main concern is optic neuritis, which is dose- and duration-dependent. Regular eye exams are recommended. Renal function should be monitored, especially in patients with kidney disease. Peripheral neuropathy may occur with prolonged use.

🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches

These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.

Directly Observed Therapy (DOT)

A strategy where a healthcare worker observes the patient taking each dose to ensure adherence.

Evidence: Well-established
Nutritional support

Adequate nutrition helps improve treatment outcomes in TB.

Evidence: Established

💉 Vaccination Considerations

💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated

BCG vaccination is recommended for prevention of severe forms of TB in children. Ethambutol treatment does not interfere with vaccines, but consult your doctor.

📦 Storage Guide

✅ DO

Store at room temperature (15-30°C)

❌ DON'T

Do not refrigerate unless specified

✅ DO

Keep in original container

❌ DON'T

Do not transfer to unmarked containers

✅ DO

Keep away from direct sunlight

❌ DON'T

Do not store in bathroom cabinet

✈️ Traveling with This Medicine

Carry this medicine in its original packaging with a copy of your prescription. Keep it in your carry-on luggage to avoid loss. Store at room temperature and protect from direct sunlight. If traveling across time zones, consult your doctor about adjusting the timing of doses. Check customs regulations for carrying prescription medicines.

💰 Cost Analysis & Savings

👥 Real Patient Stories

Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.

👤 A 35-year-old man diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis
He was prescribed a combination regimen including Ethambutol 800 mg. He experienced mild nausea initially but it subsided after taking the medicine with food. He had regular eye check-ups and completed the full course without any vision problems. His TB was cured.
💡 Lesson: Taking the medicine with food reduces stomach upset, and regular eye check-ups are crucial for early detection of optic neuritis.
👤 A 50-year-old woman with diabetes and tuberculosis
She was started on Ethambutol 800 mg as part of her TB treatment. Her doctor monitored her kidney function closely due to diabetes. She reported tingling in her feet, which was identified as peripheral neuropathy. The doctor adjusted her treatment and added pyridoxine. She completed treatment successfully.
💡 Lesson: Patients with diabetes need close monitoring of kidney function and nerve symptoms while on Ethambutol.

💬 Questions Patients Often Ask

Q: How long does it take to work?

A: It may take several weeks to see improvement in TB symptoms. Complete the full course as prescribed.

Q: Can I stop taking this medicine if I feel better?

A: No, you must complete the full course to prevent relapse and drug resistance.

Q: What should I do if I experience vision changes?

A: Contact your doctor immediately. Vision changes may indicate optic neuritis, which requires prompt evaluation.

🤔 Common Patient Concerns

💭 These are the concerns patients most commonly raise

  • Can I take this medicine long-term?
  • Will it affect my vision?
  • Can I drive after taking this medicine?
  • Does it interact with my diabetes medicine?
  • What if I miss a dose?
  • Can I drink alcohol while taking this?

🔄 Substitutes for anacox-e 800mg tablet

View All

Alternative brands with exact same active ingredient:

Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.

🛑 Myths vs. Facts

  • Myth: Ethambutol can be taken alone for TB.
    Fact: Ethambutol must always be used in combination with other antitubercular drugs to prevent resistance.
  • Myth: Ethambutol causes blindness in everyone.
    Fact: Optic neuritis is a rare side effect; regular monitoring helps detect it early.
  • Myth: You can stop ethambutol once you feel better.
    Fact: You must complete the full course as prescribed to cure TB and prevent resistance.

🔄 Alternative Options

Generic Alternatives

  • Ethambutol 800 mg tablet (generic)

Brand Alternatives

  • Combutol 800 Tablet

📊 Comparison with Similar Medicines

[{"medicine":"Ethambutol","class":"Antitubercular","main_use":"Tuberculosis","route":"Oral"},{"medicine":"Isoniazid","class":"Antitubercular","main_use":"Tuberculosis","route":"Oral"},{"medicine":"Rifampicin","class":"Antitubercular","main_use":"Tuberculosis","route":"Oral"}]

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