Generic
Pyrazinamide
1 brands available in the market
At a glance
Pyrazinamide is an anti-tuberculosis medication used in the treatment of tuberculosis, particularly as part of a multidrug regimen. It acts as a bactericidal or bacteriostatic agent against susceptible strains.
Description
The activity of pyrazinamide partly depends on its conversion to pyrazinoic acid (POA), which lowers the pH of the environment below that necessary for growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Susceptible strains produce pyrazinamidase, an enzyme that deaminates pyrazinamide to POA, and in vitro susceptibility corresponds to pyrazinamidase activity.
Indications
- Tuberculosis (as part of a multidrug regimen)
Pharmacological class
Pyrazinamide (Anti-TB)
Pharmacology
Pyrazinamide is converted to pyrazinoic acid (POA), which lowers the pH of the environment, disrupting conditions necessary for Mycobacterium tuberculosis growth. Susceptible strains produce pyrazinamidase, which deaminates pyrazinamide to POA.
Mechanism of action
Treats tuberculosis by disrupting bacterial growth.
Dosage
Adult Dose (Oral):
- Standard 2-month treatment (unsupervised): 50 kg: 2 g daily
- Intermittent 2-month treatment (supervised): 50 kg: 2.5 g three times weekly
- Severe hepatic impairment: Contraindicated
Pediatric Dose (Oral):
- Standard 2-month treatment: 35 mg/kg daily
- Intermittent 2-month treatment: 50 mg/kg three times weekly
Administration
- May be taken with or without food; take at a fixed time
- Swallow tablet whole; do not chew, crush, or break
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember; skip if it's almost time for next dose; do not double the dose.
Drug interactions
- Uricosuric agents (probenecid, sulfinpyrazone): Antagonized effect
- Estrogens: Reduced contraceptive effect
- Oral typhoid vaccine: Inactivated
- Cyclosporine: Increased serum concentration
- Rifampicin: Enhanced hepatotoxic effect
Food interactions
Caution is advised when consuming alcohol with Pyrazinamide.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to pyrazinamide
- Existing liver disease
- Acute gout or hyperuricemia
- Porphyria
- Pregnancy and lactation
Side effects
Side Effects:
- Jaundice
- Hepatitis
- Increased liver enzymes
- Joint pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Skin rash
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: May be unsafe during pregnancy; animal studies have shown harmful effects; consult your doctor.
Pregnancy Category: C — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Probably safe; limited human data suggests no significant risk.
Precautions & warnings
- Monitor liver function before and during treatment
- Inform doctor if yellowing of eyes/skin, dark urine, abdominal pain occurs
- Avoid alcohol (liver toxicity risk)
- Caution in pregnancy
Pediatric use
Pediatric dose based on weight; consult your doctor.
Geriatric use
Caution required in elderly patients; dose adjustment may be needed.
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Caution in severe kidney disease; dose reduction may be needed; kidney function tests before treatment; consult your doctor.
Hepatic Impairment: Caution in liver disease; dose adjustment may be needed; monitor liver function before and after treatment; severe hepatic impairment contraindicated; consult your doctor.
Overdose effects
No overdose information available; consult your doctor if taken in excess.
Therapeutic class
Anti-tuberculosis drugs
Storage conditions
Store in a cool and dry place, away from light; keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Pyrazinamide