Index
It is an antibacterial agent of nitrofuran and a monoamine oxidase inhibitor.
Applications
Furazolidone has been used in human and veterinary medicine. It has a broad spectrum of active activity against bacteria:
- Gram-positive.
- Clostridium perfringens.
- Corynebacterium pyogenes.
- Streptococci.
- Staphylococcus
- Gram-negative.
- Escherichia coli.
- Salmonella Dublin.
- Salmonella typhimurium.
- Shigella.
- Protozoa.
- Giardia lamblia.
- Especie eimeria.
- Histomonas meleagridis.
Use in humans:
It has been used to treat diarrhea and enteritis caused by bacteria or infections by protozoa in humans. It has been used to treat traveler’s diarrhea, cholera, and bacteremic salmonellosis. The use in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infections has also been proposed.
Although it is not a first-line treatment, Furazolidone is also used for giardiasis (due to Giardia lamblia).
Use in animals:
As a veterinary drug, Furazolidone has been used with some success to treat salmonids in Myxobolus cerebralis infections.
It has also been used in aquaculture.
Furazolidone in animals intended for food is currently prohibited by the FDA under the Law on the Clarification of the Use of Animal Medicines since it is a nitrofuran antibiotic.
Use in the laboratory:
It is used to differentiate micrococci and staphylococci.
Mechanism of action
It is believed to work by cross-linking DNA.
Side effects
Although it is an effective antibiotic when all others fail against infections that are highly resistant to medications, it has many side effects. Including the inhibition of monoamine oxidase and as with other nitrofurans in general, the minimum inhibitory concentrations also produce systemic toxicity:
- Tremors
- Convulsions
- Peripheral Neuritis.
- Depression of spermatogenesis.
- Headache.
- Stomach ache.
- Sickness.
- Vomiting, dizziness, or weakness.
This medicine can make the urine brown. Do not be alarmed; it’s normal. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you notice other effects not mentioned above.
When to call the doctor?
Some side effects can occur, especially during the first few days, as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects become bothersome or severe, inform your doctor.
Notify your doctor if you have:
- Fever.
- Acne.
- Itch.
- Muscle pains.
- Redness
- Trouble breathing.
Precautions
Before using this medicine, inform your doctor about your medical history, especially: blood disorders (G6PD deficiency) and allergies (especially drug allergies).
Avoid alcohol consumption during therapy and for four days after taking this medication. It can cause a reaction that causes redness, fever, tightness in the chest, and shortness of breath.
Be careful when performing tasks that require you to be alert if this medication makes you feel dizzy. Babies under one month old should not receive this medication. This medication should only be used if it is strictly necessary during pregnancy.
It is not known if this medicine passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Consult your doctor about the need to monitor the intake of foods containing tyramine. It is possible that consuming foods containing tyramine while using this medication may cause headaches and increased blood pressure and lead to a medical emergency.
Interactions with other medications
This medication should not be used with the following medicines because severe interactions may occur:
- Apraclonidine.
- Brimonidine.
- Bethania.
- Bupropión.
- Buspirone.
- Carbamazepine.
- Dextrometorfano.
- Entacapone.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor about all the medicines you use (prescription and non-prescription).
Administration
Take this medication orally, as directed, usually four times a day. It can be taken with food if a stomach upset occurs.
For best results, take each dose at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day. This will ensure a constant level of medication in your blood. Take this medicine for the full prescribed time.
