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

Chemical Formula:

  • C8H7N3O5

Structure of Furazolidone
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)



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