PYRAZINAMIDE (Systemic)
Some commonly used brand names are:
In Canada?
Generic name product may be available in the U.S.
Category
- Antibacterial, antimycobacterial
Description
Pyrazinamide (peer-a-ZIN-a-mide)belongs to the family of medicines called anti-infectives. It is used, alongwith other medicines, to treat tuberculosis (TB).
To help clear up your tuberculosis (TB) infection completely, you mustkeep taking this medicine for the full time of treatment, even if you beginto feel better. This is very important. It is also important that you do notmiss any doses.
Pyrazinamide is available only with your doctor's prescription, in thefollowing dosage form:
Oral- Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
Before Using This Medicine
In deciding to use a medicine,the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it willdo. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For pyrazinamide, thefollowing should be considered:
Allergies?Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual orallergic reaction to pyrazinamide or to ethionamide (e.g., Trecator-SC), isoniazid(e.g., INH, Nydrazid), or niacin (e.g., Nicobid, nicotinic acid). Also tellyour health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances,such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.
Pregnancy?Studies on effects in pregnancy have not been donein either humans or animals.
Breast-feeding?Pyrazinamide passes into the breast milk in smallamounts.
Children?Pyrazinamide has been used in children and, in effectivedoses, has not been reported to cause different side effects or problems inchildren than it does in adults.
Older adults?Many medicines have not been studied specificallyin older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactlythe same way they do in younger adults. Although there is no specific informationcomparing pyrazinamide in the elderly with use in other age groups, this medicineis not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older peoplethan it does in younger adults.
Other medicines?Although certain medicines should not be usedtogether at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used togethereven if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want tochange the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your health careprofessional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter[OTC]) medicine.
Other medical problems?The presence of other medicalproblems may affect the use of pyrazinamide. Make sure you tell your doctorif you have any other medical problems, especially:
- Gout (history of)?Pyrazinamide may worsen or cause a gout attackin patients with a history of gout
- Liver disease (severe)?Patients with severe liver disease whotake pyrazinamide may have an increase in side effects
Proper Use of This Medicine
To help clearup your TB completely, it is important that you keeptaking this medicine for the full time of treatment, even if you beginto feel better after a few weeks. It is important thatyou do not miss any doses.
Dosing?The dose of pyrazinamide will be differentfor different patients. Follow your doctor's orders orthe directions on the label. The following information includes onlythe average doses of pyrazinamide. If your dose is different,do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
- For oral dosage form (tablets):
- For tuberculosis (TB):
- Adults and children?Dose is based on body weight. The usualdose is 15 to 30 milligrams (mg) of pyrazinamide per kilogram (kg) (6.8 to13.6 mg per pound) of body weight once a day; or 50 to 70 mg per kg (22.7to 31.8 mg per pound) two times a week or three times a week, depending onthe schedule your doctor chooses for you. This medicine must be taken alongwith other medicines used to treat TB.
Missed dose?If you do miss a dose of this medicine, take itas soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skipthe missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not doubledoses.
Storage?To store this medicine:
- Keep out of the reach of children.
- Store away from heat and direct light.
- Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in otherdamp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
- Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be surethat any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.
Precautions While Using This Medicine
It is very important that your doctor check your progress atregular visits.
If your symptoms do not improve within 2 to 3 weeks, or if they becomeworse, check with your doctor.
For diabetic patients:
- This medicine may cause false test results withurine ketone tests. Check with your doctor before changing your dietor the dosage of your diabetes medicine.
Side Effects of This Medicine
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects.Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they mayneed medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any ofthe following side effects occur:
Rare
Loss of appetite; pain and swellingof joints, especially big toe, ankle, and knee; tense, hot skin over affected joints; unusual tirednessor weakness; yellow eyes or skin
Other side effects may occurthat usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go awayduring treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check withyour doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:
Other side effects not listed above may also occur insome patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.
Revised: 11/10/2003
