Furent Tab

Side Effects of Furent Tab

Nausea, vomiting, anorexia, abdominal pain, diarrhoea; headache, drowsiness, vertigo, dizziness, nystagmus, benign intracranial hypertension; rash, urticaria, pruritus, fever, sialadenitis, angioedema, erythema multiforme, exfoliative dermatitis, pancreatitis, lupus-like syndrome, myalgia, arthralgia; acute pulmonary sensitivity reactions; megaloblastic anaemia, leucopenia, granulocytopenia or agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia, aplastic anaemia, haemolytic anaemia (in G6PD-deficient patients); transient alopecia; brownish discolouration of urine. Potentially Fatal: Peripheral polyneuropathy, hepatotoxicity, anaphylaxis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, interstitial pneumonitis, pulmonary fibrosis.

Drug Interactions

Reduced excretion with probenecid or sulfinpyrazone. Absorption reduced by magnesium trisilicate. Antagonistic effects with quinolone antibacterials. Reduced effects with carbonic anhydrase inhibitors or urinary alkalinisers.

Contraindications

Severe renal impairment (anuria, oliguria, significantly elevated serum creatinine, CrCl <60 ml/min). Hypersensitivity to nitrofurans, G6PD deficiency, infants <3 mth. Pregnancy at term, during labour and delivery, or when the onset of labour is imminent.

Mechanism of Action

Nitrofurantoin interferes with cell metabolism and cell wall synthesis by inhibiting several enzyme systems including acetyl coenzyme A. It is bactericidal to most gram-positive and gram-negative urinary tract pathogens. Absorption: Readily absorbed from the GI tract. Food may increase bioavailability and prolong the duration of therapeutic urinary concentrations. Distribution: Concentrations in blood and body tissues are low; crosses the placenta and the blood-brain barrier and distributes in breast milk (trace amounts). Metabolism: Hepatic and in most body tissues. Excretion: Via urine (30-40% of a dose excreted rapidly as unchanged drug); some tubular reabsorption may occur in acid urine. Plasma half-life: 0.3-1 hr.

Special Precautions

Elderly. Monitor hepatic and pulmonary function during prolonged therapy. Pre-existing pulmonary, hepatic, neurological, or allergic disorders, predisposition to peripheral neuropathy e.g. renal impairment, anaemia, DM, electrolyte imbalance, debility, vitamin B deficiency. Withdraw if signs of peripheral neuropathy occur. Lactation.

How to Use

Take orally with food and water, as directed by your physician.

How to Store

Keep in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and moisture.

Safety Concerns

• Alcohol: Avoid during treatment.
• Breastfeeding: Not recommended.
• Pregnancy: Contraindicated.
• Liver/Kidney: Use with caution.

Content Disclaimer

This content is for educational purposes only. Please consult your doctor before use.