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Isoniazid vs. Pyrazinamide

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Isoniazid (generic name: isoniazid) and Pyrazinamide (generic name: pyrazinamide) are both antibiotics used to treat tuberculosis (TB), but they have some key differences. Isoniazid is used for both treating and preventing TB, while Pyrazinamide is only used for treating active TB. Both medications must be taken with other anti-TB medications for treatment of TB infection, but Isoniazid can also be taken alone for TB prevention. Isoniazid is available in tablet, liquid and injection forms, whereas Pyrazinamide is only available in tablet form. Both medications can cause liver injury, but Pyrazinamide also raises the risk of gout by increasing uric acid levels. Isoniazid may require you to take vitamin B6 supplements to prevent nerve problems, while Pyrazinamide can cause joint or muscle aches. Both medications are affordable in their generic forms and require careful monitoring to avoid serious side effects.

Isoniazid

 

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Pyrazinamide

 

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Summary for Isoniazid

Prescription only

Isoniazid is an antimycobacterial agent for treating and preventing tuberculosis (TB) in children and adults. It's available as a generic oral tablet and solution, usually taken daily or a few times a week, depending on your dose. For treating active TB, you'll likely need to take it along with other TB medications (like rifampin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol) to prevent antibiotic resistance. Serious side effects include severe liver injury. It's also known to interact with many foods and medications.

Indications for Isoniazid

Pros and Cons for Isoniazid

Pros

  • Is one of the main medications used to treat TB
  • Can be taken by itself for prevention of TB (along with a pyridoxine supplement)
  • Available as an oral tablet and oral solution
  • Available as a lower-cost generic

Cons

  • Can cause serious liver damage
  • Likely will need to take it for many months
  • You might need to take each dose in front of a healthcare professional
  • Interacts with many foods and medications

Common Side Effects for Isoniazid

  • Tingling or numbness in your hands and feet
  • Rise in liver enzymes

Warnings for Isoniazid

  • Liver injury (hepatitis)
  • Interactions

Summary for Pyrazinamide

Prescription only

Pyrazinamide is an antibiotic that treats active tuberculosis (TB). It's taken together with other anti-TB medications, such as isoniazid and rifampin. Pyrazinamide can cause side effects like joint or muscle ache, nausea, and vomiting. This medication can also affect the liver and raise your risk for gout. Pyrazinamide is available as a lower-cost generic tablet.

Indications for Pyrazinamide

  • Treatment of active tuberculosis (TB)

Pros and Cons for Pyrazinamide

Pros

  • One of the first-choice medications used to treat active TB
  • Usually taken for 2 months
  • Can take once per day or a few times per week, depending on your dosing schedule
  • Safe for children to take

Cons

  • Must take with other anti-TB antibiotics
  • Not a good option for people with severe liver problems
  • Can worsen gout and shouldn't be used in people with recent gout flares
  • Only available in tablet form

Common Side Effects for Pyrazinamide

  • Mild joint or muscle ache
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Loss of appetite

Warnings for Pyrazinamide

  • Liver injury
  • Gout
  • Caution in people with diabetes

Prices with our coupons for Isoniazid vs. Pyrazinamide

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Isoniazid30 tablets / 300mg
$12.27$126.99
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Pyrazinamide90 tablets / 500mg
$82.79$481.07
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