[Toxicity of pyrazinamide in antituberculous treatments (author's transl)].

Pyrazinamide, an antituberculous drug discovered in 1952, was first considered as a toxic drug. As it appeared as a bactericidal drug for the organisms inside macrophages, its usefulness has been re-appraised. In combination with other bactericidal drugs, it contributes to speed up the sterilization of tuberculous lesions. A review of the more recent clinical trials allows to assess the real toxicity of Pyrazinamide. Prescribed at a daily dosage of 30 to 35 mg/kg (1,5 to 2 g daily), it gives no major side effects.