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.