Furazolidone- Pharmacology and Popular Brands

Diarrhea can be explained as a frequent, often precipitate passage of poorly formed stools. The WHO defines the condition as 3 or more loose or watery stools in a period of 24-hours. Pathologically, it can be explained as a condition where the excess passage of water occurs in the feces. This article highlights the uses of Furazolidone for diarrhea.

Diarrhea can be a cause of 

The drugs used for such conditions are known as antidiarrheal drugs. Rational management for diarrhea treatment depends on investigating the underlying cause and prescribing drugs for specific therapy (if necessary).

Drug profile- Furazolidone

Parameters	Details
Category of Drug	Nitrofuran derivative
Mechanism of Action	Furazolidone works by killing bacteria and protozoa. It is used to treat bacterial and protozoal infections. Furazolidone binds with bacterial DNA, causing gradual inhibition of monoamine oxidase.
Indications	Furazolidone is used for 1. Giardiasis 2. Cholera 3. Gastrointestinal infections 4. Protozoal or bacterial diarrhea and enteritis 5. Food poisoning
Video Explainer	What is diarrhea?
Well Known Pharmaceutical Brands	1. METROGYL-F- UNIQUE PHARM 2. ENTROMAX- MANKIND
Available dosage forms	1. TABLETS 2. CAPSULE 3. SUSPENSION
Dose	100 mg 3 to 4 times a day.
Structure
Molecular details	1. Molecular Formula- C8H7N3O5 2. Molecular Weight-225.16 g/mol
IUPAC Name	3-[(5-nitrofuran-2-yl)methylideneamino]-1,3-oxazolidin-2-one
Contraindications	1. Hypersensitivity 2. Alcoholics 3. Primaquine sensitivity
Precautions	1. Urine colour changes to yellow after administration 2. Orthostatic hypotension 3. Hypoglycaemia 4. Pregnancy 5. Interactions
Adverse Effects	1. Nausea 2. Vomiting 3. Constipation 4. Headache 5. Diarrhoea 6. Urticaria 7. Dyspnea 8. Dizziness
Pregnancy Category	C

References:

• Diarrhea: how to treat diarrhea and antidiarrheals
• Codeine for diarrhea: Symptomatic Drug
• Loperamide- Drug Detail Profile
• Constipation: how to treat constipation and Laxatives