Furazolidone: A Comprehensive Patient Guide

Furoxone (Furazolidone)

Furazolidone is a medication that’s available under the brand name Furoxone in the United States. It belongs to a class of drugs known as nitrofurans, which are antimicrobial agents.

Pharmacologic Category

Furazolidone is part of the nitrofuran class of medications. Other medications in this category include nitrofurantoin (Macrobid, Macrodantin) and nifurtimox (Lampit).

Dosing

Furazolidone is used to treat a variety of bacterial and protozoal infections, including traveler’s diarrhea. Always consult with your doctor before adjusting your dose of Furazolidone.

Bacterial and Protozoal Infections

The typical adult dose is 100 mg four times daily, taken with meals, for 5-10 days.

Traveler’s Diarrhea

For traveler’s diarrhea, the recommended dose is 100 mg four times daily, for 3-5 days.

Dosage Forms and Strengths

Furazolidone is available in tablet form with a strength of 100 mg.

Administration Instructions

Furazolidone is to be taken orally with food. It should be swallowed whole with a full glass of water.

Adverse Reactions and Side Effects

Like all medications, Furazolidone can cause side effects. The frequency of these side effects varies among patients.

Nausea (Common)

Nausea is a common side effect of Furazolidone. This occurs as the medication can irritate the stomach lining, leading to a feeling of sickness or urge to vomit.

Headache (Less Common)

Some patients may experience headaches, a less common side effect. This can happen due to changes in blood flow in the brain caused by the medication.

Contraindications to Taking Furazolidone

Contraindications refer to specific situations where a drug should not be used because it may be harmful to the patient. Here are some contraindications for Furazolidone:

Alcohol Consumption

Furazolidone should not be taken with alcohol as it may cause a disulfiram-like reaction, leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and headache.

Severe Kidney Disease

Patients with severe kidney disease should not take Furazolidone as their bodies may not be able to effectively eliminate the drug, potentially leading to harmful effects.

Drug to Drug Interactions

Furazolidone can interact with several other medications, including:

Isocarboxazid (Marplan)

Taking Furazolidone with this medication can lead to severe high blood pressure.

Selegiline (Eldepryl, Zelapar)

Combining these two drugs can also increase the risk of high blood pressure.

Furazolidone in Pregnancy

Furazolidone should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Always consult your doctor before taking this medication during pregnancy.

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Furazolidone while Breastfeeding

The safety of Furazolidone during breastfeeding is not fully established. It’s best to consult with your healthcare provider before taking this medication while nursing.

Estimated Cost of Medication

The estimated cost of a 30-day supply of Furazolidone (100 mg, four times daily) without insurance, using a GoodRx coupon, is approximately $40. Please note that these costs are estimated and may vary based on location, pharmacy, and changes in pharmaceutical agreements.

Brief Legal Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Reliance on the information provided here is at your own risk.
Remember, each patient’s experience with Furazolidone can be different. Always discuss any questions or concerns with your healthcare provider to ensure that you are getting the most effective treatment with the least side effects.

Brief Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Reliance on the information provided here is at your own risk.