Antibacterial drugs from the nitrofuran group are completely synthetic. Their distinctive feature is the slow development of drug resistance in bacteria, as well as the absence of forms for parenteral administration (bypassing the gastrointestinal tract). Therefore, these drugs have found their use in the treatment of diseases of the genitourinary and digestive tract, as well as in the form of local antiseptics. The instructions for use of Furagin indicate a large number of side effects, but reviews from doctors confirm its good effectiveness.
The first attempts to synthesize nitrofuran precursors were made in the mid-19th century. But it wasn't until 1940 that they became known as antibacterial drugs. Before the use of fluoroquinolones, doctors actively practiced treatment with nitrofurans. The number of drugs in this group was even greater than at present. But now, due to severe toxicity and a large number of side effects, only six are used in clinical practice.
Features of the mechanism of action
Furagin tablets belong to the second class of synthetic antibacterial agents. They are separated from antibiotics because they are completely artificially synthesized and have no natural analogues. In small concentrations, only a bacteriostatic effect is manifested - they inhibit the growth of microorganisms. But at high doses a bactericidal effect appears.
"Furagin" acts against a small range of microorganisms and is used when they are resistant to sulfonamides and antibiotics. It is quickly eliminated from the body, so it is used only for uncomplicated infections caused by the following microorganisms:
- staphylococci;
- shigella;
- coli;
- enterococci;
- Klebsiella;
- salmonella;
- Proteus.
After absorption in the digestive tract, it is distributed throughout the body. A concentration sufficient for a bacteriostatic effect is maintained for 8-12 hours. It is actively excreted through the kidneys, but some of it is excreted through the intestines. It does not accumulate in tissues and does not exhibit long-term activity, therefore it is used only in the treatment of acute uncomplicated forms of urinary infections.
The effectiveness of the drug increases in an acidic environment. Therefore, taking drinks and food that acidify urine will have a positive effect on treatment, unlike neutralizing substances.
The drug is able to pass through the placental barrier, but the concentrations in the child are slightly lower than in the mother. Also able to pass into breast milk.
The mechanism of action of drugs of the nitrofuran series is the same. It consists of disruption of redox reactions in the microbial cell, as well as respiration processes, which leads to disruption of the metabolism and synthesis of many cellular components. Drug resistance to them rarely develops.
Analogues of the drug
The most common analogue of Furagin is an imported drug called Furadonin, which will be discussed below. The active component of the second agent is the substance nitrofurantoin, which has a pronounced antimicrobial effect.
Another popular analogue with a similar active ingredient (furazidine) is a medicine called Furamag. Instead of Furagin, the doctor can prescribe the Furamag analogue solely based on the clinical picture of the disease. In addition, the individual characteristics of the body of a particular patient are taken into account.
In cases of side effects, one drug can be replaced with another. In addition to the above medicines, you can replace “Furagin” with “Monural”, “Furasol” or “Furacilin”.
When drug treatment is necessary...
Indications for the use of Furagin orally are limited to infections of the urinary organs:
- acute and chronic cystitis;
- acute pyelonephritis and exacerbation of chronic;
- urethritis;
- prostatitis.
Also, "Furagin" can be used as a prevention and treatment of bladder infections in the postoperative period, if the operation was on this organ or after surgical treatment of urolithiasis. For gastroenterocolitis, the use of Furagin is allowed, but it is better to use another medicine from the nitrofuran group - Nifuroxazide.
"Furagin" is used externally in the following cases:
- burns;
- purulent wounds;
- vulvovaginitis;
- keratitis.
It is necessary to take into account the spectrum of antibacterial activity and the fact that the drug does not create the required concentrations in tissues. This means that for pneumonia caused by the same pathogen as cystitis, treatment with Furagin will be ineffective.
Contraindications for use
The main contraindications are the following conditions and pathologies:
... and when it is contraindicated
Contraindications for “Furagin”, as well as its analogues in composition “Furasol”, “Furamag” (available in capsules), include the following conditions:
- pregnancy;
- breastfeeding period;
- children's age (children under six years old);
- allergy to the drug or its components;
- severe renal failure;
- porphyria;
- polyneuropathy;
- deficiency of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase.
Side effects
In most cases, the drug is well tolerated, but sometimes side effects of Furagin appear.
- Blood system . Agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia, aplastic anemia.
- Nervous system . Dizziness, drowsiness, peripheral neuropathy, visual impairment. Therefore, it is not recommended for patients with a history of peripheral nerve damage, including those caused by diabetes mellitus.
- Respiratory system . Acute pulmonary reactions that develop rarely, but very rapidly. Manifested by chest pain, shortness of breath, and cough. At the same time, skin itching, urticaria, and angioedema may occur.
- Digestive system . Nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea. Rarely, with long-term treatment, pancreatitis, cholestatic jaundice, and hepatitis may develop.
- Integumentary system . Rash, skin itching, urticaria, rarely - hair loss, which goes away after discontinuation of the drug.
Very rarely, joint and muscle pain and a short-term increase in temperature are observed. Treatment with Furagin turns the urine brown.
The issue of use before or after meals is resolved in favor of the second option. If you take the medicine with plenty of liquid and combine it with protein foods, the severity of side effects decreases.
General information
The medication is available in three dosage forms: capsules, tablets and white powder, which may differ only in cost. There is only one main active ingredient in Furagin, and that is nitrofurantoin. For adults, the use of this medicine on the first day of therapy is two capsules four times. In subsequent days, the number of doses is reduced to three. The course of therapy for the body is selected individually, which mainly depends on the patient’s health, and in addition, on his condition and the severity of the urinary disease. On average, therapy is ten days.
The fact is that not everyone knows what Furagin helps with and may take it for other purposes. But it must be borne in mind that self-medication with this remedy is unacceptable, so you first need to conduct an examination in order to make the correct diagnosis. After this, the doctor will determine the course of therapy with the drug, and the patient will have to strictly adhere to the treatment regimen prescribed to him. Next, let's talk about the adverse reactions that may occur when taking this medication.
Instructions for use "Furagin"
The treatment regimen for adults involves the use of two tablets four times a day on the first day. On the second day, the dosage of Furagin is reduced to two tablets three times a day. Pain in the kidneys decreases already on the second day of treatment, but the course should be seven to eight days. If necessary, the course can be repeated after 10-15 days.
For prevention, adults are prescribed one tablet at night. The duration of the course is determined individually.
For children over six years of age, the dosage is calculated based on body weight. 5-7 mg/kg body weight is required. If a long course is expected, then the dose is reduced to 1-2 mg/kg of body weight.
Clinical and pharmacological group and composition
Furagin is an antibacterial drug that has a targeted effect against many pathogenic agents. It is a representative of nitrofuran antimicrobial substances. The medicine has a detrimental effect on staphylococci and other agents that are not treated with antibacterial agents and the sulfonamide group.
The main active component is furagin (Furaginum). The tablet contains 50 mg. There are also auxiliary elements such as sugar, lactose, stearic acid, Tween-80, starch.
Available in blisters of 10 units. The package contains 3 blisters.
special instructions
During the treatment period, you should not drink alcohol. Simultaneous use leads to the appearance of a disulfiram-like reaction, which is used when coding for dependence. In this case, increased heartbeat, heart pain, nausea, shortness of breath, a feeling of fear of death, headache, and convulsions appear.
Sometimes the growth of normal microflora in the intestines can be suppressed, which is manifested by symptoms of dysbiosis. In rare cases, women develop thrush. The use of Furagin for cystitis and prostatitis in men can lead to dysfunction of the testicles. This affects the condition of the sperm, its quantity decreases, the motility and morphological appearance of sperm suffer.
The following drug combinations are not recommended:
- with norfloxacin - act as antagonists;
- with antacids - the absorption of "Furagin" decreases;
- with "Chloramphenicol" and "Ristomycin" - inhibition of hematopoiesis;
- with MAO inhibitors, tyramine - risk of hypertensive crisis.
Tyramine is found in large quantities in beer, wine, cheese, beans, and smoked meats. Therefore, during treatment you need to give up these products, as evidenced by doctors’ reviews.
When treating patients over 65 years of age, it is necessary to regularly monitor the blood count, as well as indicators of kidney and liver function, in order to notice complications of therapy in time.
In case of overdose or long-term treatment, the synthesis of B vitamins and folic acid is inhibited. Therefore, in terms of subsequent treatment, it is necessary to prescribe vitamins of this group.
Treatment of urinary tract infections often requires repetition. In rare cases, it is possible to cure the acute form of the disease without it becoming chronic. Sometimes patients have to repeat courses of therapy at short intervals. Reviews of Furagin tablets say that with this medicine the period of remission can be significantly extended, especially if the medicine is taken for preventive purposes.
Reviews
A very effective remedy. I used to take furadonin, but it constantly made me feel sick, but I don’t feel sick from furagin. A real salvation, because like spring or autumn there is a strong aggravation. Thanks for the drug.
Elena, https://www.piluli.ru/product/Furagin/review
Relief after the first pill! But with long-term treatment, it is necessary to compensate for the deficiency of vitamin B6. After a week of taking it, I started having severe cramps, I took pyridoxine at the same time.
Anna, https://www.piluli.ru/product/Furagin/review
Excellent tablets, it clears air for me instantly, I have Furagin in my bag all year round, when I feel discomfort, I take 2 tablets, it all goes away quickly, in 2 hours... unless I have a bad cold, but in general many people write that the effect does not last long, and all the tablets are for urinary tract bubbles are drunk for 10 days, any doctor will tell you, if we drank the whole course, this trouble would happen less often Irina, https://www.tiensmed.ru/news/furagin-yj0.html
It really works, I have absolutely no side effects. I am finishing the course of treatment (10 days) and since the start of treatment there has not been a single relapse. I combine it with phytolysin paste (it helped well with exacerbation of cystitis, but did not eliminate the “attacks”) and diuretic herbal teas/infusions. The main thing for urological diseases is to drink at least 2 liters a day!
Akane Yuko, https://health.mail.ru/drug/furagin/
