Pyrazinamide

Pyrazinamide is an antibiotic that works by stopping the growth of bacteria in your body. It does not work alone to control tuberculosis. It is combined with other drugs like isoniazid and rifampicin.
Pyrazinamide is a prescription-only medicine, and so it is only given to you when your health care provider prescribes it.

Patients who have an HIV infection may also safely use it if they have tuberculosis.

Pyrazinamide is a drug that treats tuberculosis. Your doctor may use pyrazinamide in combination with other medicines for treatment. You should not take this medicine if you have liver or kidney disease. This medicine treats only bacterial infections, not viral infections such as the common cold and flu. This is a prescription-only medicine.

• Pyrazinamide comes as a tablet to be taken by mouth. It is usually taken once a day, preferably at the same time each day. It can be taken with or without food.
• Do not take more than the required dose. If you forgot to take your dose and it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose.
• Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one.
• Do not share this drug with others.

The following are unpleasant effects that you may experience while using pyrazinamide:

• Fatigue
• Fever

Tell your health care provider as soon as possible, if you have:

• A skin rash.
• Unusual bleeding or bruising.
• Darkened urine (pee).
• Loss of appetite.

Before you take this drug, inform your health care provider if you have any conditions that may increase your risk of having side-effects.

• Let them know if you have ever had diabetes, kidney or liver disease. Your healthcare provider can adjust your dose accordingly.
• Tell your healthcare provider if you are allergic to this drug or other tuberculosis drugs.
• Pyrazinamide may make your skin sensitive to sunlight. Avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and wear protective clothing and sunglasses.