furazolidone/metronidazole

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum 

furazolidone works by inhibiting the activity of certain enzymes in the microorganisms, disrupting their metabolism, and ultimately leading to their death. 

metronidazole works by disrupting the DNA of the microorganisms, leading to the inhibition of their growth and replication. It is particularly effective against anaerobic organisms.

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined  

Nausea 

Headache 

Dark yellow to brown discoloration of urine 

Dryness in mouth  

Metallic taste 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning 

None 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindication: 

• furazolidone/metronidazole should not be used in individuals with known hypersensitivity or allergy to furazolidone or any of its components. 

Caution: 

• Individuals with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency should use furazolidone with caution. 
• metronidazole is metabolized by the liver, so it should be used with caution in individuals with liver disease.

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration: 

Pregnancy category: N/A 

Lactation: Excretion into human milk is unknown  

Pregnancy Categories:         

Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first 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: There is no data available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology  

furazolidone it interferes with the microbial enzymes responsible for electron transfer and energy production, leading to the disruption of their metabolic processes.  

metronidazole enters the microbial cells and is reduced by electron transport proteins within these cells. The reduced form of metronidazole forms cytotoxic compounds that interact with the DNA of microorganisms. 

Pharmacodynamics 

furazolidone inhibits the growth and reproduction of bacteria. This inhibition can lead to a gradual reduction in the number of microorganisms over time. 

metronidazole is effective against anaerobic bacteria, which thrive in environments with low oxygen levels. It is well-suited to disrupt the anaerobic bacteria’s DNA and inhibit their growth. 

Pharmacokinetics 

Absorption   

furazolidone/metronidazole is well-absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. 

Distribution 

furazolidone/metronidazole is distributed throughout the body, including various tissues. 

Metabolism 

furazolidone/metronidazole is metabolized in the liver. 

Elimination and excretion 

furazolidone/metronidazole is excreted through the urine. 

Adminstartion

Administration 

furazolidone/metronidazole is a combination drug, and it is available in tablet, capsule, and suspension forms for oral intake. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: furazolidone/metronidazole   

Why do we use furazolidone/metronidazole? 

furazolidone/metronidazole is a combination drug is used to treat stomach and intestine infections.   

It is also used in the treatment of diarrhoea and dysentery.  

furazolidone works by preventing the formation of the bacterial protective covering.   

metronidazole kills bacteria and other infectious microorganisms by damaging the DNA.