Pyrazinamide: Uses, Administration, Side Effects, Precautions and Interactions

This antibiotic works exclusively to attack bacterial infections.

Applications

Pyrazinamide is an antibiotic used to treat tuberculosis (TB). Stopping the development and growth of bacteria is its function.

It is not suitable for use against viral infections such as the flu or cold, and its unnecessary use can decrease its efficiency in fighting bacteria in the body.

Administration of pyrazinamide

The drug is generally consumed orally, either with or without food, and is usually only once a day or twice a week. It also depends on the consumption indications that the doctor gives the patient.

The appropriate dose to ingest the antibiotic is based on the consumer’s age, weight, medical condition, and response to treatment.

The most advisable thing to have the most optimal results is to consume the medicine at regular intervals. If you are taking this medicine daily, take it simultaneously each day.

If you are taking this medicine on a weekly schedule, bring it on the same days of the week and at the same time every day. Mark the days on the calendar when you need to take medicine.

 

The antibiotic must be continued until the prescribed amount is completed; even so, the symptoms have disappeared.

If you stop taking medicine too soon or skip doses, bacteria may continue to grow, which can cause the infection to return and make the condition more difficult to treat (resistant).

If the condition does not improve with the antibiotic or worsens, you should inform your doctor.

Side effects

It can cause nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or mild muscle or joint pain.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any of these unlikely but serious side effects: symptoms of liver disease (such as nausea, persistent vomiting, tiredness, unusual weakness, severe stomach or abdominal pain, yellow skin and eyes, dark urine, and swollen joints. ).

Tell your doctor right away if you have any rare but severe signs of kidney problems (such as a change in the amount of urine), easy bleeding or bruising, or a fast heartbeat.

It is unusual to have severe allergic reactions to the medicine.

However, seek medical attention immediately if you notice any symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, including:

  • Fever that does not go away.
  • New or worsening lymph node swelling.
  • Rash.
  • Itch.
  • Swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat).
  • Severe dizziness
  • Difficulty breathing.

Precautions

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to pyrazinamide before taking it, and ask your doctors for more details. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist before using the antibiotic about your medical history, especially if you have a high chance of liver disease, kidney disease, high uric acid levels in the blood, gout, diabetes or if your alcohol consumption is increased.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about the products you use (including all non-prescription and prescription medicines and herbal products). Alcohol can increase the risk of liver disease. Avoid alcoholic beverages while using this medicine.

Pyrazinamide could cause live bacterial vaccines not to work the way they should. Unless your doctor allows it, you should not get vaccinated while taking this medicine.

For pregnant women, the drug should be consumed only when strictly necessary. This drug passes into breast milk, but the effect on a nursing infant is unknown. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before breastfeeding.

Pyrazinamide interactions

The effects of other medicines may be affected if you take other medicinal products simultaneously as pyrazinamide.

It can also increase the risk of severe side effects, or it can prevent other medications from working correctly in the body.

Your doctor can monitor interactions by modifying how you use your medications by closely monitoring your medication use.

Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about the products you take or consume (including prescription and non-prescription medicines and those that are herbal) before starting treatment with this product.

If you do not have your doctor’s approval, do not start or stop taking another medicine while you are using pyrazinamide.

This medication may interfere with specific laboratory tests (including urine ketone tests), possibly causing false results. Make sure your doctors know you use this medicine.