Tebrazid Provides Treatment for Tuberculosis

Tebrazid is a drug prescribed along with other meds to treat tuberculosis (TB). Tebrazid or generic Pyrazinamide is a bacteriostatic medicine; it does not kill the bacteria, but slows its rate of growth which can shorten treatment time, while the other Rx drugs work to kill the bacteria. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

How Tebrazid Acts in Your Body

TB is caused through exposure to Mycobacterium tuberculosis and can be spread through the droplets that can be inhaled from an infected person when they cough, sneezes, spits, talks, or laughs. When this bacteria meets up with Tebrazid or generic Pyrazinamide, a certain enzyme converts the drug into an active form called Pyrazinoic acid. It is then theorized that this active form interferes with the synthesis of fatty acid or disturbs the bacterial cell membrane. The Mycobacterium tuberculosis is now unable to reproduce so their numbers begin to fall while the other TB medications can kill any that remain.

Information Regarding Tuberculosis

TB mainly affects the lungs and can potentially be a serious infectious disease. The tiny droplets expelled when sneezing or coughing by an infected person can infect others. The number of cases of tuberculosis began to rise in 1985 with the appearance of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) which impairs the immune system and leaves you vulnerable to infectious diseases, such as TB. With better HIV meds available to decrease the amount of virus in your body, the better your immune system can protect you from TB.

Most individuals with active TB that have received appropriate drug treatment for at least 14 days are no longer contagious, which is why it’s so important to follow your doctor’s instructions for taking Tebrazid and other TB drugs.

Before You Buy Tebrazid

Discuss your medical history and provide a list of other prescription drugs you are taking, including over the counter meds and herbal or vitamin supplements as the efficacy of Tebrazid or generic Pyrazinamide may be affected or unintended side effects could occur. Ask the doctor if Tebrazid is harmful to unborn or nursing babies if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breast feeding.

Precautions While Taking Tebrazid

Tebrazid may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight; so always apply sunscreen before going out, wear a hat, and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. If you have the HIV virus, you may be required to take Tebrazid for a longer period. Managing diabetes mellitus may be more difficult while taking Tebrazid, so close monitoring of blood glucose is essential.

Possible Side Effects of Tebrazid

• Loss of appetite
• Upset stomach
• Nausea
• Headache

Call the doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects: unusual bleeding or bruising; difficult urination; fever; pain and swelling in the joints.

Drugs Similar to Tebrazid

• Mycobutin
• Rifadin
• Etibi