Understanding Furazolidone: Uses, Side Effects & Precautions
Furazolidone is an antibacterial agent and monoamine oxidase inhibitor in the nitrofuran class. It is available under various brand names, including Dependal-M by Roberts Laboratories and Furoxone by GlaxoSmithKline.
Furazolidone Uses
Furazolidone is used to treat:
- Cholera
- Colitis
- Bacteria-induced diarrhea
- Giardiasis within the intestinal tract
It works by destroying protozoa and bacteria. This medication is often prescribed in combination with other drugs to combat bacterial infections.
How to Take Furazolidone
- Dosage: Usually taken orally, four times a day.
- Administration: Can be taken with food if it causes stomach upset. Ensure doses are evenly spaced to maintain a steady level in your blood.
- Duration: Complete the full course as prescribed, even if symptoms improve early.
Furazolidone Oral Suspension
- Form: Available as an oral suspension.
- Instructions: Shake well before use. Measure the dose with a specially marked spoon or container.
- With or Without Food: Can be taken either way but avoid food containing tyramine.
Furazolidone Side Effects
Common Side Effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Muscle weakness
- Drowsiness
- Sweating
- Shaking
- Fast heartbeat
- Hunger
- Dizziness
- Tingling in hands/feet
- Headache
- Neck stiffness
Serious Side Effects
- Mood changes
- Slow/irregular heartbeat
- Skin rash, blistering or itching
- Swelling (face/tongue/throat)
- Persistent sore throat
- Fever
- Chest pain
- Breathing issues
If you experience serious side effects, contact your doctor immediately.
Precautions To Be Taken
Inform your doctor about your medical history, especially if you have:
- Blood disorders (e.g: G6PD deficiency)
- Allergies, especially drug allergies
- Avoid alcohol during treatment and for 4 days afterward to prevent severe reactions such as flushing, fever, chest tightness, and trouble breathing.
- Use caution when performing tasks that require alertness if this medication makes you dizzy.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
- Use during pregnancy only if necessary and after discussing risks and benefits with your doctor.
- It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions
Furazolidone can interact with various medications, including but not limited to:
- Apraclonidine
- Brimonidine
- Bethanidine
- Bupropion
- Buspirone
- Carbamazepine
- Dextromethorphan
- Entacapone
- Herbal products (e.g: ma huang)
- Indoramin
- Meperidine
- Papaverine
- Sibutramine
- SSRI antidepressants (e.g: fluoxetine, citalopram)
- Sympathomimetics (e.g: methyl phosphate)
Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of these drugs.
Foods to Avoid
Avoid tyramine-containing foods as they can cause serious reactions. These include:
- Aged cheeses
- Meat and fish (especially aged, charred, pickled, or processed)
- Beer and ale
- Alcohol-free beer
- Wine (especially red)
- Sherry
- Hard liquor
- Liqueurs
- Avocados
- Bananas
- Figs
- Raisins
- Soy sauce
- Miso soup
- Yeast/protein extracts
- Bean curd
- Fava beans or large pods of beans
- Overripe fruits
- Caffeine-containing beverages (tea, coffee, chocolate, cola)
Warnings
Pregnancy Use
The safety of Furazolidone during pregnancy has not been established. Use cautiously and consult your doctor.
Alcohol
Avoid alcohol during and for up to 4 days after treatment to prevent severe reactions.
Surgery and Medical Tests
Inform your healthcare provider if you are taking Furazolidone before undergoing surgery or medical tests.
Overdose
In case of overdose, seek immediate medical attention.
Dosage Guidelines
Tablets
- Adult Dosage: One 100 mg tablet four times a day.
- Children (5 years and older): 25 to 50 mg four times daily.
Liquid Composition
- Adult Dosage: Two teaspoons four times a day.
- Children (5 years and older): 1/2 to 1 tablespoonful four times a day.
- Children (1 to 4 years): 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons four times a day.
Storage
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Do not freeze or store in the bathroom.
Important Information
- Missed Dose: Take as soon as you remember, but skip if it’s close to the next dose. Do not double doses.
- Disposal: Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for proper disposal of expired or unused medication.
Furazolidone Vs Loperamide
| Furazolidone | Loperamide |
|---|---|
| Formula: C8H7N3O5 | Formula: C29H33ClN2O2 |
| Molar mass: 225.158 g/mol | Molecular Weight 477 g/mol |
| Brand name Furoxone | Brand name Imodium |
| Used to treat infectious diarrhea caused by bacteria | Used to decrease the frequency of diarrhea |
