furazolidone

Furazolidone is a synthetic nitrofuran derivative with broad-spectrum antibacterial and antiprotozoal activity. It is used primarily for the treatment of infectious diarrhea and enteritis caused by susceptible bacteria and protozoa, including cholera, giardiasis (Giardia lamblia), shigellosis, salmonellosis, amoebiasis, and traveler's diarrhea. Furazolidone acts by interfering with bacterial DNA replication and protein synthesis through the formation of free radicals that bind to DNA and induce cross-links. Additionally, it inhibits several bacterial enzyme systems—particularly those involved in energy metabolism such as the Krebs cycle—and functions as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). This MAOI activity can lead to significant drug-food interactions. The drug was synthesized in the late 1940s and has been marketed under various brand names for both human and veterinary use; however, its use has declined due to safety concerns (notably carcinogenicity) and regulatory restrictions in many countries[1][2][3][4][5][6].

Brand names

FuroxoneDependal-M

Other names

furazolidone3-amino-2-oxazolidinone derivativenitrofuran antibacterial agent