Ethambutol regimen in renal tuberculosis.

A 10-year experience with an ethambutol regimen for renal tuberculosis is presented. Precaution must be taken with ethambutol since optic nerve atrophy can occur. This oral therapy is now given as a single, daily dose before breakfast and has proved successful in therapy and patient acceptance. No urine reversions have occurred in the 10 years. The regimen of ethambutol, isoniazid, cycloserine and pyridoxine may now be considered a first choice in therapy for renal tuberculosis.