A Rare Case of Ethambutol Induced Optic Neuritis in a Peripheral Health Institute of Northern India

Ethambutol (EMB) is one of the first-line drugs in the treatment of tuberculosis. EMB induces ocular toxicity which is a rare side-effect that is either dose-related or duration-related effect and is often reversible on therapy discontinuation. The toxicity has been reported at 4 to 12 months of the initiation of the therapy. We reported a rare case of EMB-induced optic neuritis after 1 month of initiation of the therapy. After the withdrawal of the drug, there was complete recovery of the patient. This case description would improve the understanding of the clinical presentation as well as the treatment of ethambutol optic neuritis, especially in recourse-limited settings. It would also enrich the knowledge regarding the prevention strategies and timely recognition of the side effect. Keywords: Ethambutol, Optic neuritis, Isoniazid.