What is a substance like nitrofurantoin? Instructions for use of this element will be presented below.
Chemical properties
What properties are characteristic of a compound such as nitrofurantoin? The instruction for use claims that it is a derivative of nitrofuran. It exhibits pronounced antimicrobial properties. Most often, drugs with this component are used to treat infections in the genitourinary area.
Physical properties and form
What is nitrofurantoin? The instructions for use claim that it is a crystalline powder of orange or yellow color, which has a specific bitter taste. This compound is very poorly soluble not only in water, but also in alcohol.
In what forms are drugs produced with a component such as nitrofurantoin? Reviews report that such funds are produced in the form of tablets of various dosages. They can be enteric coated or released without it.
Pharmacodynamics
Nitrofurantoin (the price of the drug with this substance is indicated below) exhibits bactericidal and antibacterial properties. This substance inhibits the synthesis of proteins, ribonucleic and deoxyribonucleic acids, and also reduces the permeability of cell membranes and the intensity of metabolism of (aerobic) harmful bacteria.
Pharmacokinetics
What kinetic properties are characteristic of a component such as nitrofurantoin? Instructions for use states that this substance has a very high absorption capacity. Its bioavailability is about 50%. Moreover, eating increases this indicator.
According to experts, the smaller the crystals of the chemical compound mentioned, the better they dissolve and enter the bloodstream.
About 60% of the considered component binds to plasma proteins. Its metabolism is carried out in the tissues of the liver, and the half-life is about 25 minutes.
Indications
Drugs with the substance in question are prescribed in the following cases:
- Prevention of cystoscopy, catheterization and other urological operations and studies.
- Treatment of infections in the genitourinary sphere (for example, with cystitis, pyelitis, pyelonephritis, urethritis).
Bans on admission
Nitrofurantoin is contraindicated to use:
- with oliguria;
- severe violations in the work of the kidneys;
- pregnancy
- chronic heart or kidney failure;
- lack of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase;
- allergies to the substance;
- up to one month of life;
- chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis;
- acute porphyria;
- lactation.
Particular care should be taken in patients with bronchial asthma, as well as in the presence of fibrotic changes in the lungs.
Nitrofurantoin: instructions for use
The price of drugs with such an active substance is not very high. If they were released in the form of tablets, then they are prescribed inside, washed down with a large amount of liquid. As a rule, such drugs are prescribed to patients in a dosage of 50-150 mg up to four times a day. The course of treatment with this tool should last 5-7 days.
The maximum single dose of the drug for an adult is 0.3 g. Up to 0.6 mg of the drug can be consumed per day.
For children, this medication is prescribed 5-8 mg per kilogram of weight. The daily dosage of the drug is divided into 4 doses.
If required, then treatment with such a drug can be extended up to 10 days. However, urine sterility control is required.
Side effects
After taking nitrofurantoin, a patient may experience:
- diarrhea, hepatitis, cholestatic syndrome, pancreatitis, pseudomembranous enterocolitis;
- vomiting, nausea, dizziness, headaches;
- asthenia, arthralgia, nystagmus, myalgia, anaphylactic shock;
- eosinophilia, lupus-like syndrome, skin rash, chills;
- cough, fever, drowsiness, bronchial obstructive syndrome, pain in the chest, interstitial changes in the lungs;
- abdominal pain, peripheral neuropathy.
With prolonged use of the drug, the risk of developing a malignant tumor in the kidneys increases.
Special recommendations
People with electrolyte imbalance, anemia, kidney disease, and a deficiency of B vitamins have a high probability of developing peripheral neuropathy.
The substance in question is ineffective in the treatment of prostatitis, diseases of the cortical substance of the kidneys and purulent paranephritis.
This tool is not recommended to be combined with drugs that have a bad effect on the functioning of the kidneys.
Cost and reviews
How much do drugs with a substance like nitrofurantoin cost? The price of the most popular product - Furadonin - is about 120 rubles.
According to patient reviews, the component in question performs well with cystitis. However, it should be noted that taking medications with nitrofurantoin often causes headaches, abdominal pain, vomiting and nausea.