PYRAZINAMIDE

Pyrazinamide kills or stops the growth of certain bacteria that cause tuberculosis (TB). It is used with other drugs to treat tuberculosis.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Pyrazinamide comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken once a day (at the same time each day) or in larger doses twice a week. Pyrazinamide may be taken with or without food. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your pharmacist or doctor to explain any part you do not understand. Take pyrazinamide exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include mild muscle and joint pain. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience fever; loss of appetite; nausea and vomiting; severe abdominal pain; dark urine; yellowing of skin or eyes; or pain and swelling of joints. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

•alcohol
•allopurinol
•colchicine
•probenecid
•sulfinpyrazone

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Pyrazinamide can cause serious liver problems, especially if you are also taking rifampin (Rifadin® or Rimactane®). Make sure you understand the risks for liver problems and how to identify the symptoms. If you have any questions, talk with your prescriber or other health care provider. Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks and report any serious side effects promptly.

Keep taking your pyrazinamide even if you feel better. You may need to take this medicine for an extended period of time for a complete cure.

Avoid alcoholic drinks while you are taking pyrazinamide. Drinking alcohol during treatment with pyrazinamide increases the risk of serious liver problems.

Your skin may become more sensitive to sunlight. Keep out of the sun, or wear protective clothing outdoors and use a sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or sun tanning beds or booths.

If you are diabetic note that pyrazinamide can interfere with urine ketone determination tests, such as Acetest® and Ketostix®, causing a pink-brown result. Check with your prescriber or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.