Pyrazinamide Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 21, 2024.

Applies to pyrazinamide: oral tablet.

Serious side effects of pyrazinamide

Along with its needed effects, pyrazinamide may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking pyrazinamide:

More common side effects

• pain in large and small joints

Rare side effects

• loss of appetite
• pain and swelling of joints, especially big toe, ankle, and knee
• tense, hot skin over affected joints
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• yellow eyes or skin

Other side effects of pyrazinamide

Some side effects of pyrazinamide may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Rare side effects

• itching
• skin rash

For healthcare professionals

Applies to pyrazinamide: oral tablet.

Musculoskeletal adverse events

• Common (1% to 10%): Mild arthralgia, myalgia
• Frequency not reported: Arthralgia^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Adverse effects on blood clotting mechanisms, erythrocyte vacuolation, sideroblastic anemia, thrombocytopenia
• Frequency not reported: Splenomegaly^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Increased serum iron concentration, porphyria
• Frequency not reported: Anorexia, gout/active gout^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Acne, photosensitivity
• Frequency not reported: Pruritus, rashes, urticaria^[Ref]

Other

• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Fever
• Frequency not reported: Malaise^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Dysuria^[Ref]

Renal

• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Interstitial nephritis^[Ref]

Oncologic

• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Erythroid hyperplasia^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Frequency not reported: Clinical jaundice, hepatic failure/fatal hepatic failure, hepatic reaction, hepatomegaly, hepatotoxicity, liver tenderness, symptomless abnormality of hepatic cell function^[Ref]

Hepatotoxicity may be dose-related, and can occur at any time during treatment.^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Frequency not reported: Aggravation of peptic ulcer, nausea, vomiting^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Frequency not reported: Hypersensitivity reactions^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Frequency not reported: Flushing^[Ref]

Further information

Pyrazinamide side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer