Furazolidone: Chemical Structure, Mechanism of Action, Uses & Side Effects

Chemical Formula:

• C8H7N3O5

Structure of Furazolidone

Mechanism of Action:

• Furazolidone is a nitrofuran derivative antibiotic and antiprotozoal agent.

• Its mechanism of action involves the reduction of the nitro group in the furazolidone molecule by bacterial nitroreductases.

• This reduction generates highly reactive intermediates that attack and damage bacterial DNA, proteins, and other macromolecules, ultimately leading to bacterial cell death.

Uses:

Furazolidone is used to treat various bacterial and protozoal infections, including:

• Gastrointestinal infections, such as traveler's diarrhea, caused by Escherichia coli and other enteropathogens

• Giardiasis

• Bacterial enteritis

Side Effects:

Some common side effects of furazolidone include:

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Abdominal pain

• Headache

Serious side effects may include:

• Hypersensitivity reactions

• Hemolytic anemia (especially in patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency)

• Peripheral neuropathy

• Interaction with tyramine-containing foods or drugs (leading to hypertensive crisis)