Should ethambutol be recommended for routine treatment of tuberculosis in children? A review of the literature.

SETTING

Review of the literature referenced from Medline and other sources on the use of ethambutol in children.

OBJECTIVE

The most well-known side effect of ethambutol is its ocular toxicity. Its use among children is thus generally discouraged. The present article summarizes the studies published on this subject.

RESULTS

No authors have reported major ocular side effects among children treated with ethambutol.

CONCLUSION

For children aged 5 years or more, ethambutol can be recommended at a dosage of 15 mg/kg/day for routine treatment, without taking more precautions than for adults; this should be included in official recommendations. For younger children, ethambutol can also be used without undue fear of side-effects.