Ethambutol 600 mg Tablet: Complete Medicine Guide
Clinical Reference Standards: CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation), Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) & WHO | Last Updated: September 2026
When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY
- Sudden or progressive blurring of vision
- Loss of colour vision or difficulty telling red from green
- Eye pain or flashes of light
- Severe allergic reaction with swelling of the face, lips, or throat
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Dark urine or severe right upper abdominal pain
- Unusual bruising or bleeding
- Severe persistent vomiting or inability to keep fluids down
- Decreased urine output or swelling of the legs
If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
What is koxylar 600mg tablet used for?
This medicine contains Ethambutol 600 mg, an antitubercular medicine used as part of a combination regimen to treat tuberculosis. It works by blocking the formation of the mycobacterial cell wall, and it must always be taken with other antitubercular medicines exactly as prescribed. Regular eye checks and kidney function tests are important during treatment.
- Generic Name: Ethambutol (600mg)
- Manufacturer: Lark Laboratories Ltd
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
- Prescription Required: Yes
🇮🇳 koxylar 600mg tablet के बारे में (Hindi Summary)
उपयोग: यह दवा एथाम्बुटोल 600 मिलीग्राम की एक गोली है, जिसका उपयोग तपेदिक यानी टीबी के इलाज में अन्य एंटी-टीबी दवाओं के साथ किया जाता है। यह माइकोबैक्टीरियम ट्यूबरकुलोसिस बैक्टीरिया की कोशिका भित्ति बनने को रोकती है, जिससे बैक्टीरिया मर जाते हैं। यह दवा अकेले टीबी का इलाज नहीं करती, इसलिए इसे डॉक्टर द्वारा बताई गई पूरी दवाओं की योजना के साथ ही लेना चाहिए। इलाज के दौरान आंखों की जांच और किडनी की जांच नियमित रूप से करानी चाहिए।
साइड इफेक्ट्स: इस दवा का सबसे विशेष दुष्प्रभाव आंखों की दृष्टि पर पड़ता है, जैसे धुंधला दिखना, रंगों में फर्क न पहचान पाना या दृष्टि कम हो जाना। यह समस्या आमतौर पर दवा बंद करने पर ठीक हो जाती है, लेकिन अगर देर हो जाए तो स्थायी नुकसान भी हो सकता है। इसके अलावा जी मिचलाना, पेट में गड़बड़ी, उल्टी, भूख कम लगना, सिरदर्द, चक्कर आना, जोड़ों में दर्द और त्वचा पर दाने भी हो सकते हैं। किसी भी नए लक्षण को तुरंत डॉक्टर को बताना चाहिए।
सुरक्षा सलाह: इस दवा को डॉक्टर के बताए अनुसार सही मात्रा और समय पर लें, अपने मन से मात्रा न बदलें। इलाज शुरू करने से पहले और इलाज के दौरान आंखों की जांच जरूर कराएं, और आंखों में किसी भी तरह का बदलाव होने पर तुरंत डॉक्टर को बताएं। किडनी या लिवर की बीमारी, मधुमेह या गाउट होने पर डॉक्टर को जरूर बताएं। इलाज के दौरान शराब न पिएं। बेहतर महसूस होने पर भी दवा अपने आप बंद न करें, क्योंकि इससे संक्रमण दोबारा और ज्यादा मुश्किल रूप में लौट सकता है।
💊 koxylar 600mg tablet Uses & Benefits
[{"condition":"Drug-susceptible pulmonary tuberculosis","description":"Used as part of a multi-drug regimen during the intensive phase of treatment for tuberculosis affecting the lungs.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Extrapulmonary tuberculosis","description":"Included in combination therapy for tuberculosis affecting lymph nodes, bones, joints, urinary tract, or other organs.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Tuberculous meningitis","description":"Used in combination regimens for tuberculosis of the meninges, often with additional medicines chosen by a specialist.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Mycobacterium avium complex infection","description":"Used in selected combination regimens for certain non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections, especially in patients with advanced HIV or chronic lung disease.","evidence":"Moderate"}]
Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Atypical mycobacterial infections other than Mycobacterium avium complex","description":"Occasionally included in specialist-designed regimens for selected non-tuberculous mycobacteria when susceptibility testing supports it.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Brucellosis","description":"Sometimes used in combination regimens for brucellosis in selected patients, but this is not a standard first-line use.","evidence":"Limited"}]
Primary treatment for: Tuberculosis
Also treats: Extrapulmonary tuberculosis, Tuberculous meningitis, Mycobacterium avium complex infection
📋 Drug Information
| Generic Name(s) | Ethambutol (600mg) |
| Brand Name | koxylar 600mg tablet |
| Manufacturer | Lark Laboratories Ltd |
| Packaging / Form | Varies by brand (Allopathy) |
| Therapeutic Class | ANTI INFECTIVES |
| Action Class | Mycobacterial cell wall inhibitors-Ethambutol |
| Route of Administration | Oral |
| Storage | Store this medicine at room temperature, between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius, in a dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep the tablets in their original container with the lid tightly closed, and keep them out of reach of children and pets. |
| Shelf Life | The shelf life is typically 24 months from the date of manufacture, but the exact expiry date is printed on the pack. Do not use the medicine after the expiry date. |
| WHO Guideline | Ethambutol is included in World Health Organization recommendations for the treatment of drug-susceptible tuberculosis as part of combination regimens, but the exact regimen and duration must follow the current national tuberculosis programme guidelines. |
| ICMR Guideline | The Indian Council of Medical Research and the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme include Ethambutol in standard combination regimens for drug-susceptible tuberculosis. Patients should follow the regimen prescribed by their treating physician and the national programme. |
👨⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips
Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians
🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?
Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.
🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)
Pharmacokinetics
How It Works
This medicine works by inhibiting the mycobacterial enzyme arabinosyl transferase, which is responsible for polymerising arabinose into arabinogalactan. Arabinogalactan is a critical structural polysaccharide of the mycobacterial cell wall, and when its synthesis is blocked, the cell wall becomes defective and the bacterium cannot survive or multiply normally. Because the medicine targets a structure that is unique to mycobacteria, it is active against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and related organisms but has little effect on most other bacteria.
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take koxylar 600mg tablet
Strength: Ethambutol 600 mg immediate-release tablet for oral use.
Dosage Information
| Adult Dosage | The usual adult dose of this medicine is determined by the tuberculosis treatment regimen and is based on body weight, kidney function, and the other medicines being used. A common approach is a weight-based daily dose given once daily, but the exact dose and duration must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on the indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function, and the national tuberculosis programme guidelines being followed. Never start, stop, or change the dose without medical advice. |
| Pediatric Dosage | Pediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatrician or a specialist in pediatric infectious diseases, because the dose depends on weight, age, and the specific tuberculosis regimen. |
| Elderly Dosage | Elderly patients may need a lower dose or closer monitoring because kidney function often declines with age, which can increase the risk of eye and nerve side effects. The dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on kidney function and other medical conditions. |
| Renal Impairment | In patients with reduced kidney function, the dose or the dosing interval of this medicine usually needs to be adjusted, and kidney function should be monitored regularly. The exact adjustment must be made by a qualified clinician based on the measured creatinine clearance or estimated glomerular filtration rate. |
| Hepatic Impairment | Ethambutol is only partially metabolised by the liver, so significant liver impairment alone usually does not require a major dose change. However, because it is used with other antitubercular medicines that can affect the liver, liver function should be monitored and the overall regimen adjusted by a specialist if needed. |
| Maximum Daily Dose | The maximum daily dose is not a fixed number for all patients and must be determined by a qualified clinician based on body weight, kidney function, and the specific treatment protocol. Do not exceed the dose prescribed by your doctor. |
Dosage Timeline
🍽️ Food Timing Guide
⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose
⚠️ Side Effects of koxylar 600mg tablet
✅ Common Side Effects
🚨 Serious Side Effects
⚠️ Rare Side Effects
Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.
🔬 Drug Interactions
| Drug | Severity | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Other antitubercular medicines | Major | |
| Aluminium hydroxide antacids | Moderate | |
| Aminoglycosides | Moderate | |
| Ethionamide | Moderate | |
| Alcohol | Major |
🚨 Major Interactions
- Other antitubercular medicines
- Aluminium hydroxide-containing antacids
⚡ Moderate Interactions
- Aminoglycoside antibiotics such as gentamicin or amikacin
- Ethionamide
🍷 Alcohol Interaction
Alcohol should be avoided while taking this medicine because it increases the risk of liver injury and can worsen stomach upset and dizziness. Patients with tuberculosis often have other liver-related risks, so avoiding alcohol is strongly advised.
🔎 Check Your Other Medicines
Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.
🛡️ Safety & Warnings
🚫 Contraindications
["Known hypersensitivity or allergy to Ethambutol","Pre-existing optic neuritis or significant eye disease","Inability to report visual symptoms reliably, such as in very young children or unconscious patients, unless a specialist decides otherwise","Severe kidney impairment without appropriate dose adjustment and monitoring"]
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
["Vision changes must be reported immediately, because early recognition of optic neuritis improves the chance of full recovery.","Kidney function should be assessed before and during treatment, and the dose should be adjusted in renal impairment.","This medicine must never be used alone for tuberculosis, because resistance can develop rapidly.","Patients with diabetes, gout, or a history of eye disease need closer monitoring.","Alcohol should be avoided during treatment.","Do not stop the medicine early even if symptoms improve, because the infection may return in a resistant form.","Inform your doctor about all other medicines, including antacids and antibiotics, before starting this medicine."]
🤱 Lactation Safety
Ethambutol passes into breast milk in small amounts, and it is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding when the mother is on a standard tuberculosis regimen. Mothers should discuss the full regimen with their doctor, and the baby should be monitored as advised.
💊 Overdose Management
Overdose with this medicine can increase the risk of severe visual disturbance, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and confusion. If an overdose is suspected, seek emergency medical care immediately. Treatment is supportive, and there is no specific antidote; the doctor may consider measures to remove the medicine from the stomach if the patient presents very early, and will monitor vision, kidney function, and vital signs closely.
⏰ Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as you remember, provided that more than half of the usual dosing interval has not passed. If more than half of the interval has passed, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose, and never change the schedule without speaking to your doctor.
Additional Safety Advice
Take this medicine exactly at the dose and frequency prescribed by your doctor, and never adjust it on your own. Have your vision checked before starting treatment and at regular intervals during therapy, and report any change in eyesight, colour perception, or eye pain immediately. Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, gout, or a history of eye problems, because the dose may need adjustment or extra monitoring. Keep all follow-up appointments for sputum tests, liver and kidney function tests, and eye examinations. Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine, as it increases the risk of liver problems and stomach upset. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, continue to use them as usual, but do not assume that a change in vision is simply a change in your spectacle power. Do not stop this medicine early even if you feel better, because stopping too soon can allow the infection to return in a resistant form. Store the tablets in their original container, away from moisture and direct sunlight, and keep them out of reach of children.
👴 Special Considerations for Elderly
💡 For Patients Above 65
Elderly patients are more likely to have reduced kidney function, which can increase the risk of eye and nerve side effects from this medicine. Kidney function should be checked before and during treatment, and the dose should be adjusted if needed. Regular eye examinations are especially important in this age group.
🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)
If you are planning a pregnancy, discuss your tuberculosis treatment with your doctor before conception. This medicine is generally considered acceptable during pregnancy when needed, but the regimen should be reviewed and monitored by a specialist to ensure the best outcome for both mother and baby.
🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations
If you are scheduled for surgery, inform the surgical and anaesthesia team about this medicine and your tuberculosis treatment. Your doctor will advise whether any changes to the regimen are needed around the time of surgery, and monitoring of kidney and liver function may be required.
🦷 Dental Procedures
Inform your dentist that you are taking this medicine, especially if you have any vision changes or are on other antitubercular medicines. There are no specific dental restrictions, but good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups are recommended during treatment.
💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results
🏋️ Exercise Considerations
Mild to moderate activity is usually safe and helpful during recovery, but avoid strenuous exercise if you feel dizzy, breathless, or very tired. If you have vision changes, avoid activities that require sharp eyesight, such as driving or operating machinery, until your doctor says it is safe.
🥗 Diet Recommendations
💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life
Most people can continue their usual work during treatment, but fatigue and dizziness may affect concentration. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if you feel dizzy or have any vision changes. Inform your employer about your treatment schedule if you need flexibility for follow-up visits, and follow infection-control measures at work as advised by your doctor.
🛑 When to Stop This Medicine
Do not stop this medicine on your own. It should be stopped only when your doctor decides that the treatment course is complete or that a change is needed because of side effects or test results. If you develop vision changes, severe allergic symptoms, or signs of liver problems, contact your doctor immediately, who will advise whether to stop or adjust the medicine.
📅 Long-Term Use Effects
Long-term use of this medicine is generally well tolerated when the dose is appropriate and monitoring is in place, but the main concern is cumulative risk of optic neuritis, especially with higher doses or prolonged treatment. Kidney function can also decline over time in some patients, which may increase the risk of side effects. Regular eye examinations, kidney function tests, and liver function tests as part of the overall regimen are important. Most side effects improve when the medicine is stopped early, but permanent visual damage can occur if treatment continues after symptoms appear.
🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches
These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.
A structured programme in which a health worker or trained volunteer observes each dose to ensure adherence and monitor side effects.
Evidence: Well-establishedAdequate nutrition supports recovery and helps the body tolerate treatment better.
Evidence: Well-establishedCovering the mouth, ventilating rooms, and avoiding close contact with vulnerable people reduce the spread of tuberculosis.
Evidence: Well-established💉 Vaccination Considerations
💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated
There are no specific vaccine interactions with this medicine, but patients with tuberculosis should follow their doctor's advice about other vaccines. Live vaccines may need to be avoided or delayed in patients with severe immunosuppression, so discuss this with your treating doctor.
📦 Storage Guide
✅ DO
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius
❌ DON'T
Do not refrigerate unless specifically instructed
✅ DO
Keep the tablets in their original container with the lid tightly closed
❌ DON'T
Do not transfer them to unmarked containers
✅ DO
Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture
❌ DON'T
Do not store in the bathroom cabinet
✅ DO
Keep out of reach of children and pets
❌ DON'T
Do not use after the expiry date
✈️ Traveling with This Medicine
When travelling, carry this medicine in its original packaging with the prescription copy and a doctor's letter explaining that it is part of tuberculosis treatment. Keep enough supply for the entire trip, and store it at room temperature away from direct sunlight and moisture. If you cross time zones, ask your doctor how to adjust the timing of your doses so that the schedule remains as close to usual as possible. Carry the medicine in your hand luggage rather than checked baggage, and check the customs rules of your destination for controlled medicines.
💰 Cost Analysis & Savings
👥 Real Patient Stories
Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.
💬 Questions Patients Often Ask
A: This medicine works as part of a combination regimen, and improvement in symptoms such as cough, fever, and fatigue usually becomes noticeable over the first few weeks of treatment. The full course must be completed as prescribed.
A: It can cause optic neuritis, which may lead to vision loss if not recognised early. Regular eye checks and immediate reporting of any vision change greatly reduce this risk.
A: Yes, it may be taken with or without food, but taking it with food can reduce stomach upset.
A: If less than half the dosing interval has passed, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If more than half has passed, skip it and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double dose.
A: It is generally considered acceptable when needed for tuberculosis, but the decision must be made by a specialist who weighs the benefits and risks for both mother and baby.
🤔 Common Patient Concerns
🔄 Substitutes for koxylar 600mg tablet
View AllAlternative brands with exact same active ingredient:
-
ecox 600mg tabletMacleods Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd ₹18.54 16.4% CHEAPER
-
cavibutol 600mg tabletWockhardt Ltd ₹22.17 SAME PRICE
-
zytham 600mg tabletZydus Healthcare Limited ₹25.05 13% COSTLIER
-
abitol 600mg tabletAlpic Remedies Ltd ₹30.00 35.3% COSTLIER
-
koxi 600mg tabletShreya Life Sciences Pvt Ltd ₹34.65 56.3% COSTLIER
Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.
🛑 Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: Ethambutol alone can cure tuberculosis.
Fact: Ethambutol must always be used with other antitubercular medicines, because using it alone can lead to resistance and treatment failure. - Myth: You can stop Ethambutol as soon as you feel better.
Fact: Stopping early can allow the infection to return in a resistant form, so the full course must be completed as prescribed. - Myth: Vision changes on Ethambutol are always permanent.
Fact: Many vision changes improve when the medicine is stopped early, but permanent damage can occur if treatment continues after symptoms appear. - Myth: Ethambutol is safe for everyone with tuberculosis.
Fact: It is not suitable for people with pre-existing optic neuritis or certain eye conditions, and the dose needs adjustment in kidney disease.
🔄 Alternative Options
Generic Alternatives
- Ethambutol 600 mg tablet
Brand Alternatives
- Ecox 600 mg tablet