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Original ArticleOpen Access
Ethambutol and Optic Neuropathy
Chuenkongkaew W 
,
Samsen" M ,
Thanasombatsakul M
,
Samsen" M ,
Thanasombatsakul M Purpose:
To demonstrate the association between ethambutol and optic neuropathy.
Method
: Thirteen patients who developed optic neuropathy after being treated with etham-
butol for tuberculosis of the lung or lymph node at Siriraj Hospital between 1997 and 2001 were retro-
spectively reviewed. The clinical characteristics and initial and final visual acuity were analyzed to
determine visual outcome.
Results
: All patients had optic neuropathy between 1 to 6 months (mean= 2.9 months) after
starting ethambutol therapy at a dosage ranging from 13 to 20 mg/kg/day (mean = 17 mg/kg/day).
Seven (54%) of the 13 patients experienced visual recovery after stopping the drug. Of 6 patients with
irreversible visual impairment, 4 patients had diabetes mellitus, glaucoma and a history of heavy
smoking.
Conclusion
: Early recognition of optic neuropathy should be considered in patients with
ethambutol therapy. A low dose and prompt discontinuation of the drug is recommended particularly
in individuals with diabetes mellitus, glaucoma or who are heavy smokers.
Key word
: Ethambutol, Optic Neuropathy, Tuberculosis
To demonstrate the association between ethambutol and optic neuropathy.
Method
: Thirteen patients who developed optic neuropathy after being treated with etham-
butol for tuberculosis of the lung or lymph node at Siriraj Hospital between 1997 and 2001 were retro-
spectively reviewed. The clinical characteristics and initial and final visual acuity were analyzed to
determine visual outcome.
Results
: All patients had optic neuropathy between 1 to 6 months (mean= 2.9 months) after
starting ethambutol therapy at a dosage ranging from 13 to 20 mg/kg/day (mean = 17 mg/kg/day).
Seven (54%) of the 13 patients experienced visual recovery after stopping the drug. Of 6 patients with
irreversible visual impairment, 4 patients had diabetes mellitus, glaucoma and a history of heavy
smoking.
Conclusion
: Early recognition of optic neuropathy should be considered in patients with
ethambutol therapy. A low dose and prompt discontinuation of the drug is recommended particularly
in individuals with diabetes mellitus, glaucoma or who are heavy smokers.
Key word
: Ethambutol, Optic Neuropathy, Tuberculosis
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