Pyrazinamide = Z oral

Therapeutic action

First-line antituberculosis antibacterial with sterilising and bactericidal activity.

Indications

Tuberculosis, in combination with other antituberculosis antibacterials.

Forms and strengths

• 400 mg tablet.
• 150 mg dispersible tablet.

Dose

• Child under 30 kg: 35 mg/kg once daily, usual range 30 to 40 mg/kg.
• Child 30 kg and over and adult: 25 mg/kg once daily, usual range 20 to 30 mg/kg.
• 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, rash, gastrointestinal disturbances, and hypersensitivity reactions.
• Monitor liver function in patients with known hepatic disease.
• If signs of hepatotoxicity such as jaundice develop, pyrazinamide should be discontinued until symptoms resolve.
• Pregnancy: no contra-indication.
• Breast-feeding: no contra-indication.