Pyrazinamide Fact Sheet

Medication Information

Pyrazinamide is an antibiotic medication. It is used to treat Tuberculosis Disease (TB) in combination with other medications.

The TB germs (bacteria) are very strong and are hard to get rid of. You will need to take this medication for two or more months to kill the TB bacteria. Your health care provider will decide how many months you will need to take the medication.

Taking the Medication

• It is important to take this medication every day at the same time, for example, always before going to bed or always first thing in the morning.
• This medication can be taken with or without food.
• Take all the medication that you are prescribed.
• Even if you start to feel better, it is important to keep taking this medication until your healthcare provider tells you to stop. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you stop taking your medication.
• See your healthcare provider on a regular basis while you are taking this medication and follow instructions regarding blood work.

Possible Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:

• Gout
• Painful or achy joints or mild muscle aches
• Fever
• Feeling weak, tired or confused
• Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea or loss of appetite
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes
• Dark coloured urine
• Difficult or painful urination
• Rash, hives, itching, or redness
• Aggravation of stomach ulcer
• Bruising or bleeding easily

If you are concerned about these or any other side effects, call your healthcare provider.

Precautions

• Do not drink alcohol. Drinking alcohol can increase the chance of liver problems while you are taking Pyrazinamide.
• Follow your healthcare provider’s advice about taking this medication if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Do not share your medication with anyone.

Drug Interactions

• Talk to your healthcare provider about other medications you are taking or any new medications that you start taking including any drugs, vitamins, minerals, natural supplements, or alternative medicines.

Missed Doses

• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time to take your next dose, do not take the missed dose. do not take two doses at the same time.

Storage

Store the medication at room temperature in a cool dry place. Do not put it in the refrigerator. Keep out of reach and sight of children.

A public health nurse will contact you on a regular basis while taking Pyrazinamide.

For further information, please contact the Communicable Disease Control Program at 705-474-1400 or toll free at 1-800-563-2808, ext. 5229 or email us at cdc@healthunit.ca.

References

Pendopharm, division of Pharmascience Inc. (2019). Prescribing Information Including Patient Medication Information: pdp-Pyrazinamide, Pyrazinamide Tablets, USP 500mg. Retrieved from: https://pdf.hres.ca/dpd_pm/00052791.PDF.

Created, Sep 2026, by CDC