First line antituberculosis antibacterial (sterilising and bactericidal activity)
Indications
Tuberculosis, in combination with other antituberculosis antibacterials
Forms and strengths
400 mg tablet
150 mg dispersible tablet
Dosage
Child under 30 kg: 35 mg/kg (30to 40 mg/kg) once daily
Child 30 kg and over and adult:25 mg/kg (20 to 30 mg/kg) once daily
Do not exceed 2 g daily.
Patient with renal impairment: 25 mg/kg 3 times weekly
Duration
According to protocol
Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions
Do not administer to patients with hypersensitivity to pyrazinamide, severe hepatic impairment or severe gout.
May cause: gout and arthralgias, hepatotoxicity, photosensitivity (limit sun exposure),rash, gastrointestinal disturbances, hypersensitivity reactions.
Monitor liver function in patients with known hepatic disease.
If signs of hepatotoxicity (e.g. jaundice) develop, pyrazinamide should be discontinued until symptoms resolve.
Pregnancy: no contra-indication
Breast-feeding: no contra-indication
Remarks
For patients on first-line antituberculosis treatment, pyrazinamide is given as part of a fixed dose combination.