ECOX 800MG TABLET 6'S
Netmeds First Membership
Quick Links
Introduction About ECOX
ECOX contains ethambutol, which belongs to the group of medicines called antituberculous drugs. Tuberculosis (TB) is a potentially serious infectious disorder caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria usually attack the lungs, but they can attack any part of the body, such as the kidney, spine and brain. This bacterium can spread from one person to another through tiny droplets released into the air via coughs and sneezes.
ECOX is not recommended in patients with optic neuritis (eye problems). Before taking ECOX, inform your doctor if you have kidney problems, liver problems, diabetes or blood disorders. ECOX is not recommended for use among pregnant women and breastfeeding women.
ECOX is not recommended for use in children less than 13 years of age and it should be used with caution in children 13 years of age and older and elderly patients (above 65 years of age). The most common side effects of taking ECOX are inflammation of the optic nerve and loss of sharpness of vision. Contact your doctor if any of the above symptoms worsen.
Uses Of ECOX
- Manage pulmonary tuberculosis
How ECOX Works
ECOX contains Ethambutol which is a bacteriostatic agent that works by inhibiting the arabinosyl transferase, an enzyme that polymerizes arabinose into arabinan and then arabinogalactan, a mycobacterial cell wall constituent. This manages cell division.
How to use ECOX
Take ECOX as advised by your doctor. Swallow the medicine with enough water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Try to take ECOX daily at the same time. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration of ECOX for you depending on your age, body weight and disease condition.
Side Effects Of ECOX
Common
- eye problems (like inflammation of the optic nerve, loss of vision sharpness)
Uncommon
- hyperuricemia (high level of uric acid in the blood)
Rare
- the sensation of numbness, pins and needles
- low blood platelet count
- minor allergic reactions (signs include rashes, itching and swollen, pale red bumps or plaques (wheals) on the skin)
Stop taking ECOX and contact your physician immediately if you experience any of the side effects that worsen the existing disease:
- severe allergic reaction (signs include difficulty breathing, sudden wheeziness, swelling of the face, eyes, lips, or throat, flushed appearance and irregular heartbeat)
- eye problems (like changes in the eyesight including loss of vision, blurred vision, eye pain, or color blindness)
- blistering or peeling of skin (including following exposure to sunlight), red or purple rash
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome (signs include skin rash and itching with peeling and blistering and a sore mouth, hard lumps and red patches often on the backs of arms and hands)
- liver problem (signs include pale stools or skin or whites of eyes become yellow)
- kidney problem (signs include difficulty in urinating and low back pain)
- blood disorder (signs include unusual bleeding, bruising or discolored skin)
Warning & Precautions
Pregnancy
ECOX is generally not recommended to use in pregnant women unless considered necessary. Consult your doctor before taking it.
Breastfeeding
ECOX is generally not recommended to use in breastfeeding women. Consult your doctor before taking it.
Driving and Using Machines
Do not drive or operate any machines if you feel problems with eyesight, dizziness, disorientation or tingling/numbness in the hands or feet after taking ECOX.
Kidney
ECOX should be used with caution in patients with renal [kidney] problems. Consult your doctor taking it.
Liver
[GBNAKEYWORD] should be taken with caution in patients with liver problems. Consult your doctor before taking it.
Allergy
Do not take ECOX if you are allergic to Ethambutol or any of the other ingredients of this medicine.
Others
ECOX is not recommended for use if you have:
- optic neuritis (eyesight problem)
Before taking ECOX, inform your doctor if you have:
- diabetes
- blood disorders
Use in pediatrics:
ECOX is not recommended to use in children below 13 years of age and it should be used with caution in children 13 years of age and above. Consult your doctor before taking it.
Use in geriatrics:
ECOX should be used with caution in elderly patients (65 years and above). Consult your doctor before taking it.
Interactions
A. Drug-Drug interactions:
Before taking ECOX, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicine:
- medicines used to manage heartburn and indigestion (Ex. antacids containing aluminum hydroxide)
Overdosage:
If you or anyone else accidentally took more of ECOX, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital.
Synopsis
| Drug | : | Ethambutol |
| Pharmacological Category | : | Antituberculous drugs |
| Therapeutic Indication | : | Tuberculosis |
| Dosage Forms | : | Tablet, Capsule |
More Information
- Keep ECOX out of reach from children
- Store at a temperature, not more than 30°C
FAQs About ECOX
What if I forget to take a dose of ECOX?
If you forget a dose of ECOX, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next scheduled dose at the prescribed time. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed dose, as this may increase the chances of developing side effects.
How and when should ECOX be taken?
Take ECOX as advised by your doctor. Swallow the medicine with enough water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Try to take ECOX daily at the same time. Your doctor will determine the correct dose and duration of ECOX for you depending on your age, body weight and disease condition.
How long should I use ECOX to see the results?
Your management depends on your age, body weight and disease condition. After this, your doctor will decide on the correct dose and determine the duration of the course of ECOX to see the results.
Is driving a car safe after taking ECOX?
Do not drive or operate any machines if you feel problems with eyesight, dizziness, disorientation or tingling or numbness in the hands or feet after taking ECOX.
Can I give ECOX to pregnant women?
No, ECOX is not recommended for use among women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, unless considered necessary. Consult your doctor before taking it.
Is ECOX safe to use in infants?
No. ECOX is not recommended for use in children below 13 years of age and should be used with caution in children 13 years of age and older. Consult your doctor before taking it.
When is ECOX not to be used?
ECOX is not recommended for use in patients with optic neuritis (eye problems), pregnant women, breastfeeding women or children below 13 years of age. ECOX should be used with caution in patients with kidney problems, liver problems, diabetes, children 13 years of age and older and elderly patients (above 65 years of age). Consult your doctor before taking it.
References
1. KD. Tripathi. Antitubercular Drugs. Essentials of medical pharmacology. Seventh edition. 2013. Page – 769.
2. Matthew Zimmerman, Jodi Lestner, Brendan Prideaux, Paul O'Brien, Isabela Dias-Freedman, Chao Chen, et al. Ethambutol Partitioning in Tuberculous Pulmonary Lesions Explains Its Clinical Efficacy. Journal of Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy. July 2017. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5571334/
3. Patheon Inc. US Food and Drug Administration [Revised in January 2007] [Accessed on 5th September 2022] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2008/016320s063lbl.pdf
4. Kent Pharma UK Limited. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in March 2021] [Accessed on 5th September 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.8557.pdf
5. Intrapharm Laboratories Ltd. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in June 2020] [Accessed on 5th September 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.9345.pdf
Useful Diagnostic Tests
- Complete blood count
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
- Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA PCR - qualitative
- Peripheral smear examination
Author Details
