ADAP drugs: PZA

pyrazinamide (PZA)

Drug description

Pyrazinamide is part of a multidrug regimen for treating TB infection. TB can be detected by a skin test that becomes positive a few weeks after infection. The test is performed in a doctor’s office by inserting a small amount of tuberculin antigen under the skin. The antigen is called purified protein derivative (PPD), and the TB skin test is often called a PPD. TB generally appears within the first six to twelve months after infection. If treated, TB is almost always curable. Although the disease may be more rapidly progressive and more widely disseminated in people with AIDS, it responds just as well to drugs as in HIV-negative people with TB infection.

Side effects
Liver toxicity, rash, kidney dysfunction, and eye disease.

Dosage
Pyrazinamide is taken orally, 20 to 30 mg/kg per day in 3 or 4 equally divided doses not to exceed 3 g daily. Dosages up to 60 mg/kg daily have been used in the treatment of isoniazid-resistant TB. Tests to determine how well the drug is working should be taken periodically and the medication changed if the infection develops resistance to a particular drug. You may find it difficult to take multiple drugs consistently over a period of many months, but compliance with TB treatment is very important. If you do not finish the recommended course of TB drugs, a strain of multiple drug resistant TB (MDRTB) can develop which is very difficult to treat and can be contagious. TB is unlikely to recur if you take your drugs faithfully for the period your doctor recommends.

How long it may take to work
Pyrazinamide is taken for two months. Other drugs for TB maintenance treatment are taken for as long as two years. Maintenance treatment means you keep taking the drug to control an infection so that you don't become ill.

Managing side effects
Side effects are generally tolerable, except for liver toxicity, which may require adjustment of drugs.

This information is specific to the use of this medication for HIV-related conditions. For additional information about this drug for other conditions, refer to: www.nursespdr.com/ and www.healthanswers.com/Library/library_fset.asp

The drug descriptions on these pages are intended for informational purposes only. The Network does not promote or endorse the use of any specific treatment for any health-related condition. The medications described here can only be dispensed by a licensed health care professional. The information may have changed since these pages were updated, though every effort is made to keep these pages current. Please contact The Network at (800) 734-7104 to make sure you have the most up-to-date information

To drug index To Access Project home page

HOME