Furazolidone tablets: instructions for use, indications, price, reviews and analogues

Furazolidone has been used in dogs for a long time in the treatment of all kinds of gastrointestinal disorders associated with infections and poisoning. With the rapid development of the pharmaceutical industry in recent decades, many new drugs have appeared, but the relevance of furazolidone remains at a high level even now, especially in veterinary medicine.

Signs of the disease:

gastrointestinal disorder;
diarrhea or diarrhea;
nausea, vomiting;
lethargy, weakness;
refusal to eat.

Furazolidone belongs to the group of nitrofurans that have a strong bactericidal effect. This effect is achieved due to the acceptor properties in relation to oxygen, while in microbial cells under conditions of lack of oxygen, the processes of oxidation-reduction and synthesis of nucleic acids stop, as a result of which the cells die.

Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics

Pharmacodynamics

Furazolidone is an antimicrobial agent derived from nitrofuran . Salmonella , Shigella , Campylobacter , as well as protozoa ( Giardia , Trichomonas ) and Vibrio cholerae are highly sensitive to it . Depending on the concentration, it has a bactericidal or bacteriostatic effect.

Pharmacokinetics

Well absorbed when taken orally. Distributed in tissues and liquids. In the cerebrospinal fluid during meningitis , the same concentrations are created as in the plasma; therapeutic concentrations are also achieved in the intestinal lumen. Intensively metabolized in the liver to an inactive metabolite. Excreted by the kidneys (up to 65%), small amounts are determined in feces,

Side effects

skin rash, skin itching, Quincke's edema ;
decreased appetite;
pulmonary edema , bronchospasm (with long-term use);
nausea, vomiting;
hepatotoxic effect;
neuritis (with long-term use).

The risk of peripheral neuropathy increases with diabetes mellitus , hypovitaminosis B and C , and anemia .

Furazolidone tablets, instructions for use (Method and dosage)

The drug is taken orally, after meals, as it can cause dyspeptic disorders. The tablets should be taken with a glass of water.

With long-term use for the purpose of preventing neuritis , it is combined with taking B vitamins .

Instructions for use of Furazolidone

The dose for adults for paratyphoid fever , dysentery and food poisoning is 0.1 g per day 4 times a day for 5–10 days. Single dose - 0.2 g, daily dose - 0.8 g.

For giardiasis - 0.1 g 4 times a day for up to 7 days, after a week the same course is repeated.

For trichomonas urethritis - 0.1 g 4 times for 3 days.

For trichomonas colpitis, the dosage and frequency of administration are the same and in parallel, a powder containing furazolidone and milk sugar is injected into the vagina, and suppositories containing 4-5 mg of furazolidone are administered into the rectum.

For the treatment of burns locally in the form of bandages with a solution of the drug (1:25000).

Instructions for use for children

For children, the dose is calculated per kg of body weight. It is: one-time - 0.0025 g per kg, and daily 0.01 g per kg, distributed over 3-4 doses. The course of treatment is 5-7 days.

Application in veterinary medicine

The veterinary drug is a yellow powder, insoluble in water.

The drug is used for: salmonellosis , coccidiosis , colibacillosis , enteritis , balantidiasis in animals and birds. You can also use a pharmaceutical drug in tablets (one tablet contains 50 mg).

The dosage for these diseases is the same for chickens, turkey poults and broilers - the drug is added to the feed at the rate of 3 mg per head 2 times a day, treatment is carried out for 8 days. If necessary, the course of treatment is repeated, but after a break of 10 days. As a preventative measure, young animals up to 10 days of age are given 2 mg per head once a day.

An overdose is unacceptable, since the bird becomes drowsy, lethargic and may die. How to feed to chickens? Better with food. Another option is to dissolve it in water and give it as a drink. But you need to know that the drug does not dissolve well and loses its properties when exposed to sunlight.

Pharmacological properties

Furazolidone has a slow-acting type, its absorption occurs through the stomach and intestines within 14–16 hours, as it enters the blood, within an hour, it begins its effect, and after two hours the bacteriostatic concentration of furazolidone is achieved, which is maintained for 12 hours .

At the same time, furazolidone is almost non-addictive, has no toxic effect on the body, and is excreted by the kidneys and through the gastrointestinal tract within 1 to 2 days. This makes the drug in demand in veterinary medicine to this day, especially in the treatment of young farm animals and domestic animals.

Furazolidone effectively suppresses many, both gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms, the appearance of which causes various gastrointestinal disorders. These are the following pathogens:

streptococcus;
Pneumococcus;
staphylococcus;
salmonella;
Proteus;
Escherichia;
Giardia;
coccidia;
fungi of the genus Candida, etc.

The drug is especially valuable in case of mass infection of animals; in combination with antibiotics, it helps to successfully stop the spread of infection. This applies to nurseries and animal shelters. In addition to the therapeutic effect, furazolidone has a general strengthening effect on the body - an increase in the amount of hemoglobin, total protein and creatinine in the blood.

Furazolidone remains the preferred antimicrobial agent in veterinary medicine due to its properties:

quick access to the infected area;
duration of action;
good compatibility with other drugs;
no significant toxicity.

Furazolidone appears to be more active in its antimicrobial action in many cases than chloramphenicol, chlortetracycline and streptomycin.

Release form of the drug

Furazolidone is a yellow, odorless powder with a bitter taste. Available in powder form (packaging 2.5 kg, 1 kg, 100 g, 500 g) and in tablets containing the active substance 0.05 g (that is, 50 mg).

For 1-2 animals, tablets are used, which are kneaded into powder and mixed with food. If you need to treat many animals, it is more convenient to use powder, which is immediately added to the feed.

Interaction

Aminoglycosides and Tetracycline enhance its antimicrobial effect.

Antidepressants, phenylephrine , ephedrine , MAO inhibitors, tyramine , amphetamine in combination with furadonine cause a significant increase in blood pressure.

Agents that alkalize urine reduce the effect of the drug.

Inhibition of hematopoiesis increases when used with chloramphenicol and Ristomycin .

Incompatible with alcohol, as this combination causes disulfiram-like reactions.

Furazolidone for children

The instructions for children provide the following indications for use: amoebic dysentery , salmonellosis , giardiasis .

How to give Furazolidone to children?

A convenient form of release for children is in the form of granules, from which a suspension is prepared by adding 100 ml of water. When properly prepared, 1 ml of suspension will contain 0.0003 g of the drug. The suspension is used 4 times a day, measuring with a measuring cup and used until 7 years of age. A single dose is: 1-2 years, 4-5 ml, 3-4 years, 6-7 ml, 4-5 years, 7.5-8.5 ml.

From the age of 7, children can already take pills. The dosage of tablets for children is correspondingly less than for adults. At the age of 7-14 years, a single dose of 0.03-0.05 g is recommended, a daily dose of 0.12 g-0.15 g.

Reviews from parents indicate its effectiveness in intestinal infections:

“... We took Bifiform and Enterofuril - nothing helped. I had diarrhea for a week until the doctor prescribed Furazolidone + Linex”;
“... Smecta didn’t help, Enterofuril didn’t help either, in the end Furazolidone helped.”

Typically, no adverse reactions were observed during the 5-day period of administration.

Instructions for the drug furazolidone

Furazolidone for diarrhea (for large breed dogs) is recommended to take 1 tablet 3 times a day for 4-6 days, depending on the condition of the dog.

Furazolidone for puppies (as well as for kittens) for a single dose is calculated at 3-5 mg/1 kg of animal weight.

Sometimes a longer duration of treatment is required, up to 10 days, but this is not recommended. Also, an overdose should not be used, since the bacterioscopic effect of furazolidone is effective in small doses, and its excess will be unproductively deposited in the body tissues in the form of metabolites (decomposition products) that cause side effects.

Contraindications:

pregnancy;
lactation period;
hypersensitivity to the drug.

Storage:

with caution, list B;
temperature from 5 to 25°C;
in a dry place;
without access to light;
Shelf life is 5 years from the date of manufacture (indicated on the packaging) if all storage rules are observed.

Furazolidone for cystitis

How effective is this drug for cystitis ? Based on pharmacokinetics, its highest concentration is determined in the intestinal lumen, and it follows that the drug will be most effective against intestinal infections. Furadonin in the treatment of urinary tract infections , but it is more toxic.

If furazolidone can be used as monotherapy for cystitis, then for pyelitis and pyelonephritis it is prescribed in combination with antibiotics. Derivatives of the nitrofuran series do not create therapeutic concentrations in the kidney parenchyma, therefore they are used only for cystitis.

Furazolidone tablets for cystitis in the usual dosages, which were mentioned above, are used for uncomplicated disease. For hemorrhagic or purulent cystitis, more serious treatment is required.

A set of therapeutic measures for uncomplicated diarrhea in dogs

Diarrhea in dogs can be one-time or repeated over several days, followed by normalization of stool. This is not scary, but it requires careful monitoring of the dog’s condition and simple assistance to it on your own. If, in addition to diarrhea, mucus appears and a change in the color of the stool, vomiting and severe weakening of the animal due to dehydration are added, then you should immediately contact a veterinarian.

At the first signs of illness, it is important to analyze the diet the day before for poor quality foods, changes in the usual food and drinking water, and for the presence of overeating. Rule out stress, foreign bodies entering the dog’s intestines and other possible causes. If diarrhea continues after this, although without aggravating symptoms, the dog should be treated.

Sample treatment plan for uncomplicated diarrhea in dogs:

You should not let your dog eat for 24 hours, but be sure to drink clean water frequently to replenish the water and electrolyte balance in the dog’s body;
furazolidone 1 tablet x 3 times a day until diarrhea stops, for a maximum of 10 days (for more details, see the instructions for furazolidone);
adsorbents (for example, activated carbon) to remove toxic poisons from the intestines;
in case of very profuse diarrhea and vomiting, administer intravenous infusion solutions as prescribed by a veterinarian (saline solution, glucose, vitamins and others);
for prolonged diarrhea, add antibiotics (chloramphenicol, streptomycin, chlortetracycline);
If helminths are present, treat with anthelmintic drugs.

If complications occur, especially in puppies, you should not let the disease progress and promptly seek specialized help from a veterinary clinic.

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Furazolidone for diarrhea

Is this drug always indicated? And is it possible to take it immediately in case of any bowel disorder?

There are clear indications - shigellosis , amoebic dysentery , salmonellosis . The drugs of choice for the treatment of salmonellosis and shigellosis are fluoroquinolone drugs and furazolidone. Sometimes, even with acute intestinal infection (AI), especially in children, treatment begins with probiotics ( Bifiform , Probifor , Enterol , Bifistim ) and enterosorbents ( Filtrum , Neosmectin , Enterosgel ). Only in severe forms or in the absence of effect from previous treatment, furazolidone anti-diarrhea tablets are prescribed for 2-3 days.

Only a doctor can prescribe how to take it for diarrhea, and if there is no positive dynamics, a switch to “reserve” antibiotics ( imipenem , Azithromycin , Amikacin , etc.) is possible. Do not forget to take a course of probiotics after treatment.

Diet for loose stools in dogs

For any diarrhea in a dog, you should be especially careful about the diet from the onset of the disease. For the first 24 hours, give only fresh, clean water and do not give food. From the next day, start offering boiled chicken, shredded boiled beef and boiled rice. After a few days, the dog is transferred to regular food as it gets better.

Furazolidone analogs

Level 4 ATC code matches:
Acylact

Iodoxide

Kolposeptin

Lactonorm

Hexicon

Ecofemin

Lactozhinal

Depanthol

McMirror

Dafnedjin

There are no analogues for the active substance. Nirofuran derivatives have a similar effect:

Nifuroxazide
Enterofuril
rifaximin
imipenem
Azithromycin
Amikacin
Fluoroquinolone
Ciprofloxacin

Reviews about Furazolidone

The question is often asked about this drug: is it an antibiotic or not? This is not an antibiotic, but a synthetic antibacterial agent, which differs from true antibiotics in the mechanism of action on microorganisms and the effect on the human body.

What are Furazolidone tablets for? Is this drug prescribed only for diarrhea? Intestinal infections are the main indication for the use of the drug. In addition to Furazolidone, other intestinal antiseptics ( Nifuroxazide , rifaximin ) can be prescribed to correct microflora, followed by the use of probiotics.

Furazolidone tablets in combination with sorbents and Creon are prescribed for the treatment of giardiasis . There are reviews about this very often. In this case, reviews of Furazolidone are mostly negative, since even a 10-day course did not lead to eradication of the parasite. Metronidazole or Macmiror are more effective than Furazolidone. What else does this drug help with? For urinary system infections, it is prescribed for 7-14 days.

There are other indications for the use of Furazolidone, which the abstract does not indicate. For example, anti-Helicobacter therapy, including Furazolidone, is effective in the treatment of erosive and ulcerative diseases in adults. The same treatment regimen is used for children infected with Helicobacter pylori (HP). It includes De-Nol , Furazolidone, Amoxicillin , Ranitidine and after treatment, 100% eradication of HP is achieved.

Reviews often indicate side effects of the drug - nausea and sometimes vomiting. When taking the drug without a doctor's prescription, carefully study all contraindications and follow the recommended doses.

Furazolidone in veterinary medicine

In veterinary practice, furazolidone is used not only for dogs and cats, but also for agricultural livestock, birds and fish for all kinds of infectious diseases.

The following dosages of furazolidone are used:

4-5 mg/kg body weight – for calves;
10 mg/kg body weight – piglets;
2.5-3 mg/kg body weight – for chickens;
1-2 g / 10 kg of food - carp (for rubella).

The meat of animals treated with furazolidone is suitable for people to eat no earlier than 4 days after the end of taking the drug, but if earlier than 4 days, it is used only for animal feed and for preparing meat and bone meal.

Milk from animals is prohibited from being used for food during the entire period of treatment and 2 days after the last dose; it is used only for feeding animals.

Causes of diarrhea in dogs

It is not recommended to treat a dog or any other animal without first consulting a veterinarian, so as not to cause irreparable harm to the animal through your actions.

It must be remembered that diarrhea in a dog can be for various reasons and does not always require immediate initiation of drug therapy, but is often eliminated within a few hours by eliminating the cause that caused it.

If diarrhea occurs in a dog, you need to find out the cause of it in order to approach treatment competently and not harm the dog through illiterate actions. The approach to treatment is different. Causes of diarrhea in dogs can be:

Poor nutrition or spoiled food, individual intolerance to components (allergies, indigestion). In this case, the cause can be eliminated by simply replacing the food;
Poor water quality and sudden changes in feed, for example from dry to canned. In this case, you need to first test on a small portion of food and wait for the dog’s body to react. This way you can carefully select the right food for your dog;
Parasites in a dog's intestines are a very common cause of diarrhea in dogs. Helminths are difficult to see and recognize with the naked eye; this requires a stool test for helminth eggs. Regular preventive treatment of dogs for helminths is recommended (every few months), which will help eliminate this cause altogether;
Having been vaccinated the day before, the dog may develop a complex reaction to the administered vaccine. Everything goes away on its own, but if it happens again, you need to contact a veterinarian for advice;
A pregnant dog may have toxicosis at an early stage, accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea. You cannot leave the situation to chance, in order to prevent dehydration of the body, which will lead to a miscarriage. You need to change your diet and introduce more fiber into it;
After childbirth, diarrhea can be caused by afterbirth eaten by the dog. Cow's milk is also a laxative for the intestines;
Acute diarrhea occurs when bacteria become infected through water or food. In this case, the dog requires antimicrobial therapy using furazolidone and antibiotics;
Viral infection is a very serious threat to dogs, causing severe distress. Pathogens: canine distemper, coronavirus, parvovirus. It will not be possible to cure it on your own, you need to urgently take the dog to the clinic, it can be fatal;
Side effects of drugs that were used in the near future. Read the instructions and choose another medicine;
Fungi and protozoa (giardia, trichomonas) require special treatment;
Tumors;
Dysbacteriosis, vitamin deficiency, metabolic disorders - it is necessary to restore normal intestinal microflora with the use of lactic acid products or drugs;
Mechanical injuries to the intestines due to foreign objects - they must be removed;
Stress – when moving, when losing or changing the owner, etc. A quiet regime and gentle dietary feed are required.

In the case of diarrhea in dogs, you should always pay attention to the type, color and consistency of the stool, which can indicate the causes of diarrhea:

green stool - indicates rotten food;
white color is a sign of a biliary tract problem;
yellow diarrhea – simple indigestion;
orange tint – acute process in the liver;
dark, black diarrhea – the presence of bleeding in the intestines, it requires immediate investigation;
bloody diarrhea is always dangerous, a consequence of salmonellosis, leptospirosis, atypical rabies, damage to the intestines by a bone or foreign object, as well as chemical poisoning;
diarrhea with mucus - often occurs during treatment for worms, when they come out in the form of mucus at the stage of digestion, as well as with disease of the large intestine;
diarrhea with blood and mucus - you need to examine the stool for protozoa and worms, blood for biochemical analysis, to rule out intestinal ruptures.