| Indication | For the specific and symptomatic treatment of bacterial or protozoal diarrhea and enteritis caused by susceptible organisms. |
| Pharmacodynamics | Furoxone has a broad antibacterial spectrum covering the majority of gastrointestinal tract pathogens including E. coli, staphylococci, Salmonella, Shigella, Proteus, Aerobacter aerogenes, Vibrio cholerae and Giardia lamblia. Its bactericidal activity is based upon its interference with DNA replication and protein production; this antimicrobial action minimizes the development of resistant organisms. |
| Mechanism of action | Furazolidone and its related free radical products are believed to bind DNA and induce cross-links. Bacterial DNA is particularly susceptible to this drug leading to high levels of mutations (transitions and transversions) in the bacterial chromosome. |
| Absorption | Radiolabeled drug studies indicate that furazolidone is well absorbed following oral administration |
| Volume of distribution | Not Available |
| Protein binding | Not Available |
| Metabolism | Furazolidone is rapidly and extensively metabolized; the primary metabolic pathway identified begins with nitro-reduction to the aminofuran derivative. Two major metabolites are produced: 3-amino-2-oxazolidone (AOZ) or beta-hydroxyethylhydrazine (HEH). AOZ is responsible for monoamine oxidase inhibition. Detoxification and elimination of the drug is done primarily by conjugation with glutathione. |
| Route of elimination | Not Available |
| Half life | 10 minutes |
| Clearance | Not Available |
| Toxicity | Reactions to Furoxone have been reported including a fall in blood pressure, urticaria, fever, arthralgia, and a vesicular morbilliform rash. Other adverse effects can include a brown discoloration of the urine; hemolysis can occur in G6PDH-deficient patients. The drug has a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitory effect and should never be given concurrently to individuals already taking MAO inhibitors. |