Nitrofurazone, also known as Nitrofural, is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. It is commonly used to treat infections of the urinary tract, skin, and respiratory tract. It is also used to treat infected burns and wounds, as well as pre- and post-operative infections. It is available in cream, ointment, and tablet forms. It is also available as an injectable form. Nitrofurazone is usually well tolerated but may cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Nitrofural was previously used as an antibiotic in certain applications, but its use is now heavily restricted due to safety concerns. Here's a breakdown of the key points:
- Past Use:
- Nitrofural belonged to a class of antibiotics effective against a broad range of bacteria.
- It was historically used in various forms, including:
- Animal feed additives: To prevent and control bacterial infections in livestock.
- Topical creams: For treating skin infections.
- Current Status:
- Due to the emergence of antibiotic resistance and potential carcinogenic (cancer-causing) effects, Nitrofural use is:
- Banned as a food additive in animals in many countries, including the United States and the European Union.
- Severely restricted in most other applications.
- Due to the emergence of antibiotic resistance and potential carcinogenic (cancer-causing) effects, Nitrofural use is:
- Important Note:
- Nitrofural is not a medication typically prescribed for humans.
- Its use should be avoided due to the potential health risks.
Alternatives:
- Veterinarians and medical professionals have access to a wide range of safer and more effective antibiotics to treat bacterial infections.
Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification
B - Blood and blood forming organs
B05 Blood substitutes and perfusion solutions
B05C - Irrigating solutions
B05CA Antiinfectives
ATC Code
Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification
D - Dermatologicals
D08 Antiseptics and disinfectants
D08A - Antiseptics and disinfectants
D08AF Nitrofuran derivatives
ATC Code
Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification
D - Dermatologicals
D09 Medicated dressings
D09A - Medicated dressings
D09AA Medicated dressings with antiinfectives
ATC Code
Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification
P - Antiparasitic products, insecticides and repellents
P01 Antiprotozoals
P01C - Agents against leishmaniasis and trypanosomiasis
P01CC Nitrofuran derivatives
ATC Code
Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification
S - Sensory organs
S01 Ophthalmologicals
S01A - Anti-infectives
S01AX Other anti-infectives
ATC Code
Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification
S - Sensory organs
S02 Otologicals
S02A - Anti-infectives
S02AA Anti-infectives
ATC Code
Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification
QP - Antiparasitic products, insecticides and repellents
QP51 Antiprotozoals
ATC Code
External Links
Nitrofurazone