furazolidone

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

• Antibacterial Action: 
• furazolidone is effective against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. 
• It works by interfering with the bacteria’s ability to synthesize DNA and RNA, inhibiting bacterial growth and replication. 
• Common bacterial infections treated with furazolidone include certain strains of Escherichia coli (E. coli), Salmonella, Shigella, and other gastrointestinal pathogens. 
• Antiprotozoal Action: 
• furazolidone is also effective against some protozoa, including Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba histolytica. 
• It disrupts the metabolic processes of these protozoa, preventing them from growing and causing infections. 

furazolidone has a relatively broad spectrum of activity, making it helpful in treating various infections in the gastrointestinal tract. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined 

Hemolytic anemia 

Brown urine 

Arthralgia 

Fever 

Rash 

Vomiting 

Nausea 

Malaise 

Headache 

Dizziness 

Drowsiness 

Orthostatic hypotension 

Hypoglycemia 

Hypersensitivity 

Headache 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning: 

None 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindications: 

• Hypersensitivity 
• Pregnancy & breastfeeding 

Cautions: 

• Liver and kidney dysfunction 
• Gastrointestinal conditions 
• Interactions with tyramine foods 
• Drug interactions 
• Neurological effects 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration:  

Pregnancy Category: C 

Breastfeeding warnings:  

It is excreted in breast milk. Breastfeeding is not recommended during administration. 

Pregnancy category: 

Category A: Well-controlled and satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the initial or later trimester. 

Category B: There was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women. 

Category C: There was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.    

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.    

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence, these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.    

Category N: No data is available for the drug under this category.

Pharmacology

Pharmacology:  

furazolidone exerts its antimicrobial effects primarily against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as some protozoa. It interferes with bacterial and protozoal nucleic acid metabolism by binding to bacterial DNA and RNA, inhibiting DNA synthesis and ultimately inhibiting microbial growth and replication. 

Pharmacodynamics: 

• furazolidone is used clinically to treat various infections, including traveler’s diarrhea, foodborne illnesses, and certain urinary tract infections. 
• Its effectiveness in treating specific infections is determined by factors such as the susceptibility of the causative microorganism and the concentration of the drug at the infection site. 

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

• furazolidone is typically administered orally in the form of tablets or suspensions. 
• It is well-absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, with peak blood concentrations reached within a few hours after oral ingestion. 

Distribution 

furazolidone is distributed throughout the body and can penetrate various tissues and fluids. 

It crosses the blood-brain barrier, which allows it to reach the central nervous system. 

Metabolism 

furazolidone is primarily metabolized in the liver. 

Elimination and Excretion 

Metabolites of furazolidone are primarily excreted in the urine. 

The elimination half-life of furazolidone and its metabolites can vary among individuals but is generally within 1 to 3 hours. 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

furazolidone is typically administered orally and is available in tablet and suspension forms. Depending on the formulation and treatment condition, the dosing instructions and administration guidelines for furazolidone may vary. 

While taking furazolidone, avoiding foods and beverages high in tyramine is essential, as these can interact with the medication and cause elevated blood pressure. Examples of tyramine-rich foods include aged cheeses, cured meats, fermented products, and certain alcoholic beverages (e.g., red wine). 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: furazolidone 

Why do we use furazolidone? 

Treatment of Gastrointestinal Infections: 

furazolidone is frequently prescribed to treat bacterial and protozoal infections of the gastrointestinal tract. 

Traveler’s Diarrhea: 

furazolidone is often used to treat traveler’s diarrhea, a common ailment for individuals traveling to regions where food and water sanitation may be compromised. 

Foodborne Illnesses: 

In food poisoning caused by bacteria or protozoa, furazolidone may be prescribed to help alleviate symptoms and eradicate the infection. 

Protozoal Infections: 

furazolidone is effective against certain protozoal infections, including Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba histolytica, which can cause gastrointestinal symptoms. 

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): 

In some situations, furazolidone may treat urinary tract infections caused by susceptible bacteria.