Drug Summary

  Drug name:  ethambutol
  Chemical name:  Ethambutol dihydrochloride
  Formula:  C₁₀H₂₄N₂O_{2  Weight:   204.3098
  CAS no:  74-55-5
  DrugBank link:  DB00330
  Description:  An antitubercular agent that inhibits the transfer of mycolic acids into the cell wall of the tubercle bacillus. It may also inhibit the synthesis of spermidine in mycobacteria. The action is usually bactericidal, and the drug can penetrate human cell membranes to exert its lethal effect. (From Smith and Reynard, Textbook of Pharmacology, 1992, p863)
  Indication:  For use, as an adjunct, in the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis.}