Ethambutol: Chemical Structure, Mechanism of Action, Uses & Side effects

Chemical formula:

• C10H24N2O2

Structure of Ethambutol

Mechanism of action:

• Ethambutol inhibits the synthesis of arabinogalactan, a key component of the mycobacterial cell wall, by targeting the enzyme arabinosyltransferase, thereby inhibiting the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Uses:

• Ethambutol is used in combination with other antitubercular drugs for the treatment of tuberculosis (TB).

Side effects:

• Side effects can include optic neuritis (visual disturbances and color vision impairment), peripheral neuropathy, hypersensitivity reactions, and gastrointestinal disturbances.