Antimicrobial
Ethambutol
Arabinogalactan synthesis inhibitor
eth-AM-byoo-tol
High-yield clue
Ethambutol inhibits arabinosyl transferase (embB) to disrupt arabinogalactan synthesis and is remembered for reversible optic neuritis.
Overview
An antimycobacterial agent studied for inhibiting arabinosyl transferase (encoded by embB) and blocking arabinogalactan incorporation into the mycobacterial cell wall.
Classification
- Antimycobacterial
- Inhibits arabinosyl transferase (embB)
- Blocks arabinogalactan cell-wall assembly
- Bacteriostatic
Lab & identification clues
- embB gene resistance mutation concept
- Cell-wall arabinan synthesis target vocabulary
- Combination use to limit resistance emergence concept
Associations
- Tuberculosis regimen study vocabulary
- Dose-related optic neuritis / red-green color vision concept
- Visual acuity monitoring study framing
Commonly confused with
- Isoniazid
- Pyrazinamide
Your notes
Original mechanism summary for microbiology study. Sources checked: CDC antimicrobial-resistance guidance, NCBI Bookshelf Medical Microbiology, and standard coursework frameworks; reviewed 2026-06. Covers class, mechanism, and resistance vocabulary only; no prescribing, dosing, or patient-specific treatment guidance.