Pyrazinamide is an approved oral anti-tuberculosis drug used in combination regimens. It is used to prevent and to treat tuberculosis.

Side-effects include hepatitis, gastrointestinal upsets, rash and gout.

Pyrazinamide should not be prescribed to people who have a history of liver impairment. The risk of severe liver damage in HIV-negative patients has led United States drug regulation authorities to recommend that the combination of pyrazinamide and rifampicin (Rifadin / Rimactane) should not be offered to patients. However, the risk of liver damage may be lower in people infected with HIV^[1].

Pyrazinamide does not interact with any currently available protease inhibitors or non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs).

Patients taking pyrazinamide should drink plenty of fluids.

Pyrazinamide is manufactured by Merck Sharp & Dohme Ltd. under the trade name Zinamide.