Pyrazinamide is an antibiotic. The exact way that pyrazinamide works is unknown.
Pyrazinamide is used to treat tuberculosis (TB).
Pyrazinamide may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking pyrazinamide?
Before taking pyrazinamide, tell your doctor if you have
ever had an allergic reaction to pyrazinamide,
liver disease,
gout,
kidney disease, or
diabetes mellitus.
You may not be able to take pyrazinamide, or you may require a lower dose
or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Pyrazinamide is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether
it will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are
pregnant.
Pyrazinamide passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing baby. Do not take this
medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take pyrazinamide?
Take pyrazinamide exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these
instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.
Take all of the pyrazinamide that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel
better. Your symptoms may begin to improve before the infection is completely treated.
Pyrazinamide is usually combined with one or more other tuberculosis medicines.
Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose of pyrazinamide?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next
regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed.
Do not
take a double dose of this medication.
Where can I get more information about pyrazinamide?
Your pharmacist has information about pyrazinamide written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of pyrazinamide?
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking pyrazinamide and
seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat;
swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
a fever;
unusual weakness or fatigue;
nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite;
yellow skin or eyes;
dark urine;
difficult or painful urination;
painful or swollen joints;
worsening gout; or
a rash.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your
doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at
1-800-FDA-1088. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about pyrazinamide?
Take all of the pyrazinamide that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel
better. Your symptoms may begin to improve before the infection is completely treated.
Call your doctor immediately if you experience a fever, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting,
painful or swollen joints, yellowing of your skin or eyes, or darkening of your urine.
What should I avoid while taking pyrazinamide?
There are no restrictions on foods, beverages, or activities during treatment with pyrazinamide
unless your doctor directs otherwise.
What other drugs will affect pyrazinamide?
Pyrazinamide may decrease the effects of allopurinol (Zyloprim). A dosage adjustment may be
necessary if you take pyrazinamide during treatment with allopurinol.
Pyrazinamide may affect the Acetest and Ketostix urine tests for ketones. This reaction can
cause a pink-brown color to appear.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with pyrazinamide. Talk to your doctor and
pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
What happens if I have an overdose of pyrazinamide?
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share
your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate,
up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum
information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not
warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does
not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist
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a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or
drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any
given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information
Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug
interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse
or pharmacist.
Content provided by Multum - Last Updated 11/10/2009