FurazolidoneSynonyms: Furoxone
Generic Available: No
Canadian Brand Names: Furoxone�(r)
Use: Treatment of bacterial or protozoal diarrhea and enteritis caused by susceptible organisms Giardia lamblia and Vibrio cholerae
Restrictions: Not available in U.S.
Pregnancy Risk Factor: C
Lactation: Excretion in breast milk unknown
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to furazolidone or any component of the formulation; concurrent use of ethanol; infants <1 month of age because of the possibility of producing hemolytic anemia; foods high in tyramine content
Warnings/Precautions: Use caution in patients with G6PD deficiency when administering large doses for prolonged periods; furazolidone inhibits monoamine oxidase
Adverse Reactions: >10%: Genitourinary: Discoloration of urine (dark yellow to brown) 1% to 10%: Central nervous system: Headache Gastrointestinal: Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting <1%: Agranulocytosis, arthralgia, disulfiram-like reaction after ethanol ingestion, dizziness, drowsiness, fever, hemolysis in patients with G6PD deficiency, hypoglycemia, leukopenia, malaise, orthostatic hypotension, rash
Overdosage/Toxicology: Symptoms of overdose include nausea, vomiting, and serotonin crisis. Treatment is supportive.
Drug Interactions: Increases toxicity of sympathomimetic amines, tricyclic antidepressants, MAO inhibitors, meperidine, anorexiants, dextromethorphan, fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline, trazodone Increased effect/toxicity of levodopa Disulfiram-like reaction with ethanol
Ethanol/Nutrition/Herb Interactions: Ethanol: Avoid ethanol (a disulfiram-like reaction may occur). Food: Marked elevation of blood pressure, hypertensive crisis, or hemorrhagic stroke may occur with foods high in tyramine content.
Mechanism of Action: Inhibits several vital enzymatic reactions causing antibacterial and antiprotozoal action
Pharmacodynamics/Kinetics: Absorption: Poor Excretion: Urine (33% as active drug and metabolites)
Dosage: Oral: Children >1 month: 5-8 mg/kg/day in 4 divided doses for 7 days, not to exceed 400 mg/day or 8.8 mg/kg/day Adults: 100 mg 4 times/day for 7 days
Monitoring Parameters: CBC
Test Interactions: False-positive results for urine glucose with Clinitest�(r)
Patient Education: Take as directed. Avoid alcohol and tyramine-containing foods during and for 4 days following therapy. Do not take any other prescription or OTC medications without consulting prescriber. Your urine may turn dark brown or yellow (normal). If you have diabetes, use something other than Clinitest�(r) for urine glucose testing. Report acute GI pain, unresolved diarrhea, unresolved nausea or vomiting, fever, dizziness, or unusual joint pain. Consult prescriber if condition is not resolved at the end of therapy. Pregnancy/breast-feeding precautions: Inform prescriber if you are or intend to become pregnant. Consult prescriber if breast-feeding.
Nursing Implications: Monitor CBC
Additional Information: Not available in U.S.
Dental Health: Effects on Dental Treatment: No significant effects or complications reported
Dental Health: Vasoconstrictor/Local Anesthetic Precautions: No information available to require special precautions
Mental Health: Effects on Mental Status: May cause drowsiness or dizziness
Mental Health: Effects on Psychiatric Treatment: May rarely cause agranulocytosis; use caution with clozapine and carbamazepine; furazolidone inhibits MAO; caution with alcohol, anorexiants, antidepressants, meperidine, sympathomimetics, dopamine agonists, and tyramine-containing foods
Dosage Forms: Liquid: 50 mg/15 mL (60 mL, 473 mL) Tablet: 100 mg
References: "Drugs for Parasitic Infections,"Med Lett Drugs Ther, 1993, 35(911):111-22. Murphy TV and Nelson JD, "Five vs Ten Days' Therapy With Furazolidone for Giardiasis,"Am J Dis Child, 1983, 137(3):267-70. Turner JA, "Giardiasis and Infections With Dientamoeba Fragilis,"Pediatr Clin North Am, 1985, 32(4):865-80.
International Brand Names: Furapill�(r) (EC); Furasian�(r) (TH); Furazolidina�(r) (CO); Furazolidona EEL (RO); Furazolidone�(r) (RU); Furazolidon�(r) (PL, RO); Furion�(r) (TH); Furoksan�(r) (TR); Furoxona�(r) (CL, CO, MX); Furoxona Gotas Pediatricas�(r) (CL); Furoxone�(r) (CA, IN); Fuxol�(r) (MX); Giardil�(r) (AR); Nifolidon�(r) (PL); Nifulidone�(r) (IL); Nifuran�(r) (DE); Salmocide�(r) (MX)
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