"Furadonin": the pros and cons of the familiar antibiotic

"Furadonin" belongs to the group of nitrofuran derivatives. It is distinguished from other representatives of this chemical class by the presence of an amino hydantoin core in the side chain. Due to the advent of new drugs and the pronounced side effects of nitrofurans, the systemic use of Furadonin is limited today. But in some cases, it inhibits the growth of bacteria resistant to other antibacterial drugs.

Synonyms of “Furadonin”: “Nitrofurantoin”, “Chemiofuran”, “Furadantin”, “Nifuratel”. Analogs by the mechanism of action (drugs from the group of nitrofurans): "Furamag", "Furazidin", "Furagin"," Furasol. " The main forms:

• tablets of 0.05 and 0.1 g;
• tablets 0.03 g (children's dosage).

Activity

The medicine belongs to synthetic antibiotics, has bacteriostatic (stops the growth of microbes) and bactericidal actions. Active against a number of bacteria. Among them:

• staphylococci;
• streptococci;
• E. coli;
• causative agents of typhoid fever, paratyphoid;
• causative agents of dysentery;
• various types of protea.

Reasons for Appointment

Urinary tract infection is one of the common problems in urological practice. Women are ten times more likely to be infested with bacteria than men. In this case, according to statistics, inflammation of the genitourinary system is the most common complication of pregnancy. Treatment with Furadonin is widely practiced by urologists, including for sanitizing the tissues of the urinary system before surgical interventions. Tablets are prescribed for the following pathologies.

• Pyelonephritis. Common causes of inflammation of the renal pelvis are bacteria of the staphylococcus and streptococcus groups. Pyelonephritis can be suspected if the patient experiences pain in the kidneys, and the presence of edema is also characteristic of this disease. The final diagnosis is made by laboratory and instrumental diagnostic methods. Antibacterial treatment is essential in stopping inflammation.
• Urolithiasis disease. The main causes are metabolic disorders, but also play the role of urinary tract infections, congenital or acquired anatomical abnormalities, tumor diseases that interfere with normal outflow of urine. Antimicrobial therapy is auxiliary, or serves as a preparatory stage before surgery.
• Cystitis. The bladder signals a malfunction by changing the color of the urine, as well as by cutting and frequent urges to urinate. “Furadonin” can quickly lead to improvement and the disappearance of symptoms. But for the final cure, a full course of therapy is needed.
• Urethritis. Antibacterial therapy is critical in treating urethra inflammation. Nitrofurans can be used both internally and topically for baths and irrigation.
• Intestinal infections. The drug may be indicated if diarrhea is caused by microorganisms sensitive to Furadonin.

Dosage

The treatment regimen depends on the underlying disease and the patient's age.

• Adults. The drug is administered orally at 0.05-0.1 g three to four times a day. Therapy lasts five to eight days, if the effect of the treatment is not visible, it is recommended to change the drug to another antibacterial agent.
• Children. Dosage depends on body weight. Usually used at a rate of 5-7 mg / kg per day, divided into three to four doses. However, it is worth considering that up to six years the use of the drug is not recommended due to toxicity and pronounced side effects.

The risks

Conditions in which the drug is strictly prohibited are listed.

• Individual sensitivity. The presence of a history of allergies to a group of nitrofurans or individual components of the drug should warn against taking any drug of this type.
• Pathology of the kidneys or liver. Renal failure with severe impairment of function, cirrhosis, chronic and acute hepatitis interfere with the full metabolism of the drug components and can lead to poisoning.
• Pregnancy, lactation. "Furadonin" is able to penetrate through the placenta and into breast milk. In the fetus and newborn, it causes the destruction of red blood cells with the development of hemolytic anemia.
• Age to six years. The failure of metabolism in children can increase the severity of side effects.
• Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase enzyme defect. Enzyme deficiency predisposes to the development of erythrocyte hemolysis. Furadonin is able to enhance this process.
• Acute porphyria. Taking Furadonin can aggravate the course of the disease and cause toxic organ damage.

The compatibility of Furadonin with other drugs should be considered.

• Fluoroquinolones. They are antagonists in action.
• Estrogens. Partially inhibits the intestinal flora, therefore, disrupts the absorption of estrogen-containing drugs. May reduce the contraceptive effect.
• Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. The drug from epilepsy "Diacarb" reduces the effect of "Furadonin."

Portability

Side effects are numerous. The frequency depends on the individual characteristics of the metabolism and the dose taken.

• Gastrointestinal system. Nausea, vomiting, damage to the liver and pancreas, pseudomembranous enterocolitis.
• Nervous system. Dizziness, headache, nystagmus, peripheral nerve damage, depression.
• Respiratory system. Pulmonary fibrosis, bronchospasm, cough, flu-like syndrome, chest discomfort.
• Hematopoiesis system. Decrease in the number of leukocytes and granulocytes, hemolytic and megaloblastic anemia.
• Allergic effects. Lupus-like syndrome, joint pain, muscle pain, eosinophilia, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, exfoliative dermatitis.

When curating patients with urinary tract invasions, “Furadonin” with nalidixic acid derivatives should not be prescribed simultaneously. This combination leads to a mutual decrease in the antibacterial effect. In order to avoid toxic effects during treatment with the drug can not drink alcohol.

Reviews

An old proven drug for the treatment of urinary tract infections should not be used in the treatment of kidney infections, mainly it is used in the treatment of cystitis, it has low antibiotic resistance. Possible development of adverse drug reactions. I use it in clinical practice for the treatment of cystitis.

Eugene Iskorostinsky, https://protabletky.ru/furadonin/

"Furadonin" is an antimicrobial agent. It is prescribed for bacterial infections of the urinary tract (pyelitis, pyelonephritis, cystitis, urethritis), as well as for the prevention of infections. The drug helps me a lot with cystitis. After the first application, pain decreases, and after the first or second day pass. But the course must be drunk completely, otherwise the infection returns to the same track.

Antipova T.M., https://www.piluli.ru/product/Furadonin/expert

Very often, people taking Furadonin experience nausea. The drug since the days of the USSR. Appointed and prescribed for diseases of the genitourinary system. There is an effect, but there are also side effects. Therefore, you need to weigh well whether it is worth buying. Yes, it is an inexpensive drug, but you can overpay and buy a drug that will not cause nausea. Good drug "Kanefron".

Julia Gorshenina, https://protabletky.ru/furadonin/

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