Pyrazinamide

Pyrazinamide is an antibiotic that fights bacteria.

Pyrazinamide is used to treat tuberculosis (TB) in adults and children.

Pyrazinamide must be used with other TB medicines. Tuberculosis can become resistant to treatment if pyrazinamide is used alone. Take all your medicines as prescribed by your doctor.

Pyrazinamide may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to ensure you get the best results. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Tuberculosis must be treated over a long period of time (up to 6 months or longer).

Pyrazinamide is given with other medications and should not be used alone. You may need to take pyrazinamide for only the first 2 months of your full course of treatment.

Pyrazinamide is usually taken once per day. However, some people take the medicine only 2 times per week.

Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Pyrazinamide will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.

Tell your doctor if you have any changes in weight. Pyrazinamide doses are based on weight (especially in children), and any changes may affect the dose.

This medicine can cause unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using pyrazinamide.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

You should not use pyrazinamide if you have active gout or serious liver disease.

You should not use pyrazinamide if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• active gout; or
• severe liver disease.

To make sure pyrazinamide is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• HIV or AIDS;
• gout;
• liver disease;
• diabetes; or
• if you drink large amounts of alcohol.

Your doctor will check your liver enzymes and uric acid levels before you start treatment, to make sure you can safely take pyrazinamide.

It is not known whether pyrazinamide will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using pyrazinamide.

Pyrazinamide can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; trouble breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Pyrazinamide may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have:

• fever;
• joint pain or swelling;
• easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums);
• symptoms of a gout flare-up—joint pain, stiffness, redness, or swelling (especially at night); or
• liver problems—nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tiredness, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Common side effects of pyrazinamide may include:

• joint or muscle pain;
• nausea, vomiting; or
• loss of appetite.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may happen. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to compensate for the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Other drugs may interact with pyrazinamide, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.