Pyrazinamide (NA)

Pyrazinamide (NA) is an antibiotic that belongs to a class of medicines known as anti tuberculosis drugs. It is used in the treatment of tuberculosis, an infectious disease that mainly affects the lungs and in some cases other parts of the body.

Pyrazinamide (NA) is given in combination with at least one other tuberculosis medicine. It acts by killing the causative bacteria. It should be used in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. This medicine may be taken with or without food, preferably at a fixed time every day to avoid a missed dose. Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. Stopping it early can result in treatment failure and increase the side effects too. Please let your doctor know about any changes in your weight as the dose of this medicine depends on the overall body weight of a person. Any changes in weight might need dose modification.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose, as it may increase the side effects.

Inform your doctor if you notice signs of jaundice i.e. yellowing of eyes or skin, dark urine, stomach pain or joint pain. You may also develop hepatitis (viral infection of the liver), increased liver enzymes and joint pain as side effects of this medicine. Please consult your doctor, as these side effects require medical attention and might need dose modification.

Your doctor may monitor your liver function while on treatment with this medicine. Avoid drinking alcohol as this may have additional adverse effects on the liver. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before using this medicine.

• Tuberculosis (TB)

Tuberculosis (TB)
Pyrazinamide (NA) is used to treat tuberculosis, an infectious disease that mainly affects the lungs but can affect other parts of the body as well. It stops the growth of infection causing bacteria and helps in treating the infection. Take it in the dose and duration advised by the doctor. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cured. Do not stop taking it without consulting your doctor as doing so may cause the infection to return or worsen. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to get maximum benefit.

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Pyramid

• Jaundice
• Hepatitis (viral infection of liver)
• Increased liver enzymes
• Joint pain

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Check the label for directions before use. Empty the granules in a glass of water/milk, stir it and consume immediately. Pyrazinamide (NA) may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

Pyrazinamide (NA) is an antitubercular medicine. In the body, it gets converted to pyrazinoic acid. This pyrazinoic acid inhibits fatty acid synthase I (bacterial enzyme), which is essential for bacterial growth. Thus, it works as a bacteriocidal to prohibit their growth and treats tuberculosis.

• Pyrazinamide (NA) along with other medications effectively treats tuberculosis.
• Do not to forget a dose, as this increases the risk of the bacteria becoming resistant to the medicine, and also increases the risk of getting side effects.
• Your doctor may check your liver function before starting treatment and regularly thereafter. Inform your doctor if you notice yellowing of eyes or skin, dark urine, or stomach pain.
• Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Pyrazinamide (NA) as this may increase the risk of side effects on the liver.
• Use a reliable contraceptive method (such as condoms or a diaphragm) to prevent pregnancy while you are taking Pyrazinamide (NA) as it may make hormonal contraceptives such as the pill less effective.

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