Pyrazinamide: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan

Pyrazinamide is a first-line anti-tuberculosis medicine. It is a prescription medicine used for tuberculosis and tuberculous meningitis. In Pakistan it is available as tablets, made by 4 different manufacturers. On this page you can read how it works, its common side effects and precautions, and compare the brands and prices available at Medimart.

How Pyrazinamide works

Pyrazinamide is converted inside TB bacteria into pyrazinoic acid, which builds up and disrupts their energy supply and other vital functions. It is particularly good at killing slow-growing bacteria in acidic areas of the body, such as inside inflamed tissue, where other medicines work less well.

What is Pyrazinamide used for?

• Tuberculosis and tuberculous meningitis

Pyrazinamide is used in the first phase of tuberculosis (TB) treatment, together with other anti-TB medicines such as isoniazid, rifampicin and ethambutol. Including it in the early phase helps kill TB bacteria faster, which allows the total length of treatment to be shorter. It is never used on its own, as TB bacteria quickly become resistant to a single medicine.

Side effects of Pyrazinamide

While taking Pyrazinamide, you may experience:

• Joint pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Raised uric acid levels
• Rash or itching
• Sensitivity to sunlight

Stop and contact your doctor immediately if you develop yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, persistent vomiting, severe tiredness, or a hot, painful, swollen joint, which may be gout.

Precautions and warnings

• Take it every day exactly as prescribed with your other TB medicines, and do not stop early, as this can lead to drug-resistant TB.
• Your doctor will check your liver function and may check your uric acid levels during treatment.
• Avoid alcohol, as it increases the risk of liver damage.
• Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, gout, diabetes, kidney disease or porphyria.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, tell your doctor, who will choose the most suitable TB regimen.

Frequently asked questions about Pyrazinamide

What is the price of Pyrazinamide in Pakistan?

At Medimart, Pyrazinamide products currently in stock range from Rs 8 to Rs 478 per pack, depending on the brand, strength and pack size. The lowest-priced option right now is PZA-Ciba 500mg Tablet at Rs 8. Prices are updated regularly, so the product list on this page always shows the latest price.

Which brands of Pyrazinamide are available in Pakistan?

Pyrazinamide is sold in Pakistan under brand names such as Medizinamide (Mediceena), Pyrazid (Schazoo Laboratories Ltd), Pza-ciba (Novartis Pharma (Pakistan)ltd) and Zinamid (Wilshire Laboratories Ltd).

Do I need a prescription for Pyrazinamide?

Yes. Pyrazinamide is a prescription medicine in Pakistan. Use it only when a doctor has prescribed it, at the dose and for the time they advise.

Can Pyrazinamide be used during pregnancy?

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, tell your doctor, who will choose the most suitable TB regimen.

Are all Pyrazinamide brands the same?

Brands that contain the same amount of Pyrazinamide in the same form are expected to work in the same way, although inactive ingredients, pack sizes and prices differ. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching from one brand to another.

Pyrazinamide brands and prices in Pakistan

Medimart lists 5 products containing Pyrazinamide from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.

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