Pza
Pyrazinamide (PZA) is an essential antitubercular medication used during the initial intensive phase of tuberculosis treatment. It works by sterilizing the lesion environment, targeting slowly replicating tubercle bacilli within acidic environments. It is always used in combination with other active TB medications to prevent the development of drug-resistant strains.
Dosage by Body Weight
Standard pediatric dosing is 30-40 mg/kg once daily, and adult dosing is typically 20-30 mg/kg once daily. It must be administered under strict medical supervision, usually as part of directly observed therapy (DOTS).
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Requires specialist calculation
- Frequency
- Once daily under close supervision
- Tracking Notes
- Generally dosed at 30-40 mg/kg. Not routinely used in neonates without expert consultation.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 150 mg
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Tracking Notes
- Corresponds to WHO standard pediatric weight band recommendations.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 300 mg
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Tracking Notes
- Dispersible tablets are preferred for children in this weight bracket.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 450 mg
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Tracking Notes
- Ensure adherence to the complete multi-drug course to prevent drug resistance.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 600 mg
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Tracking Notes
- Monitor liver enzymes and serum uric acid levels regularly.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Requires specialist calculation | Once daily under close supervision | Generally dosed at 30-40 mg/kg. Not routinely used in neonates without expert consultation. |
| 5-7 kg | 150 mg | Once daily | Corresponds to WHO standard pediatric weight band recommendations. |
| 8-10 kg | 300 mg | Once daily | Dispersible tablets are preferred for children in this weight bracket. |
| 11-15 kg | 450 mg | Once daily | Ensure adherence to the complete multi-drug course to prevent drug resistance. |
| 16-20 kg | 600 mg | Once daily | Monitor liver enzymes and serum uric acid levels regularly. |
Formulation
Purpose
Used as part of a multi-drug regimen for the treatment of active tuberculosis (TB) to help eliminate Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Generic Name
PyrazinamideBranded Drug Names
Pza is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
Yes. This medicine should be supplied or used only according to applicable prescription and regulatory requirements.