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Pyrazinamide vs. Rifadin

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

Key takeaways

Pyrazinamide and Rifampin (Rifadin) are both antibiotics used to treat tuberculosis (TB), but they belong to different medication classes. Pyrazinamide is an antitubercular agent, while Rifampin is a rifamycin antibiotic. Pyrazinamide is only used for active TB and must be taken with other TB medications like isoniazid and rifampin. Rifampin, on the other hand, can treat both active and latent TB and is also used to prevent the spread of meningococcal infections in carriers. Pyrazinamide is taken orally, typically once daily, and is available as a generic tablet. Rifampin can be taken orally or intravenously, and it is also available as a generic. Common side effects of pyrazinamide include joint or muscle aches and nausea, while rifampin can cause a harmless change in the color of body fluids and teeth. Both medications can cause liver problems, but rifampin has more drug interactions and can affect the effectiveness of other medications, including hormonal birth control.

Pyrazinamide

 

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Rifampin

(Rifadin)

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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

Summary for Rifadin

Prescription only

Rifampin (Rifadin) is an antibiotic used to treat active and latent tuberculosis (TB). It also helps prevent the spread of meningococcal infections by people who carriers of the bacteria, but aren't showing symptoms. Rifampin (Rifadin) is taken by mouth once or twice daily, depending on your medical conditions. If you're taking it for TB, your provider might prescribe other medications as well, like isoniazid. One side effect of rifampin (Rifadin) is that it can temporarily change the color of your teeth, body fluids, and even urine as a side effect.

Indications for Rifadin

  • Tuberculosis (TB)
  • Meningococcal carriers (when there's bacteria living in the nose and/or throat, but not causing infection)

Pros and Cons for Rifadin

Pros

  • One of the first-choice antibiotics for treating TB
  • Taken once daily for TB treatment
  • For people who carry the meningococcal bacteria, taking rifampin (Rifadin) for just 2 days helps prevent the spread of infection
  • Can be made into an oral suspension if you or your child has a hard time swallowing capsules
  • Available in an injectable form if you're in the hospital and can't take medications by mouth
  • Available as a lower-cost generic

Cons

  • Must be used in combination with other anti-TB antibiotics when treating active TB
  • Can change the color of your teeth and body fluids and stain your contact lenses
  • Skipping doses can quickly cause drug resistance, making it much harder to treat the infection.
  • Can cause liver injury, so it's recommended to avoid alcohol
  • Interacts with many medications, and can lower the medication levels in the body
  • Not recommended for the treatment of serious meningococcal infections

Common Side Effects for Rifadin

  • Temporary change in color (orange/yellow) of body fluids and teeth

Warnings for Rifadin

  • Liver injury
  • Not for treating meningococcal infection
  • Allergic reactions
  • Higher risk for bleeding
  • Caution in diabetes
  • More side effects if not taken once a day
  • Effects on hormones and vitamin D levels

Prices with our coupons for Pyrazinamide vs. Rifadin

Price Card Drug Icon
Pyrazinamide90 tablets / 500mg
$82.79$481.06
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Rifampin60 capsules / 300mg
$38.99$112.64
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