Saturday, April 16, 2011

Pyrazinamide

It is closely related to nicotinamide.


Mechanism of action:
Its exact mechanism of action is unknown but it is thought to be converted into pyrazinoic acid (active form of the drug) with the help of mycobacterial pyrazinamidase, which causes the inhibition of tubercle bacilli at concentration of 20 μg/ml at 5.5 pH.

Therapeutic uses:
In combination with isoniazid and rifampin. It is also used for tuberculosis for short course that is 6 months.

Pharmacokinetics:
It is well absorbed from GIT. It is widely distributed in body tissues. Its half life is 8-11 hours.

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