Diarrhea is a symptom characterized by the appearance of loose stools, increased motility of the gastrointestinal tract, and the occurrence of discomfort in the abdomen. Often, such disorders are associated with the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms and their reproduction in the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract. The treatment of diarrhea in children has its own characteristics due to the rapid dehydration of the body and the occurrence of concomitant complications. Let's see how to deal with stool disorder with the help of the drug "Nifuroxazide" for a child.
Pharmacological features
"Nifuroxazide" is an antimicrobial drug from the group of nitrofurans, mainly used as an intestinal antiseptic. The mechanism of action of this drug is based on the inhibition of dehydrogenases, the Krebs cycle and cellular respiration.
In addition, "Nifuroxazide" disrupts the processes of protein synthesis in the cell, thereby disrupting the vital activity of the microorganism.
Pharmacodynamics
When taken orally, the drug has low bioavailability, that is, it is practically not absorbed into the systemic circulation. Trace concentrations of nifuroxazide can be detected in blood plasma, while a small amount of it is excreted by excretion in urine unchanged. The rest is excreted in feces. Due to the almost complete lack of absorption, the rate of drug excretion depends on the dose taken and the intensity of intestinal motility.
Range of action of the drug
Relating to derivatives of nitrofuran, Nifuroxazide has a bacteriostatic effect in medium therapeutic concentrations, and at higher doses it acts as a bactericidal medicine with a slow development of resistance. A sufficiently large number of both gram-positive (streptococci, penicillin-producing staphylococci) and gram-negative microorganisms (Escherichia coli, salmonella, shigella, Klebsiella, enterobacteria) is sensitive to the drug. In addition, the medication negatively affects various viruses, Trichomonas, Giardia and fungi of the genus Candida. The drug retains its effect in the presence of pus and other tissue decay products in the wound.
"Nifuroxazide" is ineffective in the treatment of pseudomonas infections, as well as infections caused by microorganisms of the genus Proteus.
Indications for the use of the drug "Nifuroxazide" (instructions for children)
The main indication for prescribing medications is various intestinal localization infections caused by pathogens sensitive to the antibacterial drug. "Nifuroxazide" is prescribed for acute stool disorder of infectious genesis, chronic inflammatory bowel disease and enterocolitis. The drug is prescribed for patients with infected wounds (possibly local use of the drug), as well as for surgical interventions on the intestines (for debridement) and for the complex treatment of dysbiosis.
It should be noted that in pediatric practice, the most commonly used drug for the treatment of intestinal disorders is Nifuroxazide. Instructions for children, with the exception of dosage, are similar to those for adults.
Dosage and administration
The use of the drug is carried out regardless of the meal. For the treatment of adults, as well as children after the age of seven, the drug is taken 1 tablet (200 mg) three or four times a day. This dose at one time corresponds to 5 ml of a suspension or syrup "Nifuroxazide". Instructions for use for children and adults indicate that after normalization of the stool, the drug should be continued for 3-4 days. The course of treatment should not exceed a week. If the drug is ineffective for a long time, the approach to therapy should be reviewed.
For preschool children, the dosage should be reduced to 100-150 mg per dose of Nifuroxazide. Syrup for children is a great treatment option. In this case, the frequency of use of the product remains the same. If there is no medicine in the form of syrup at hand, you can gently crush a half tablet of 200 mg between two tablespoons to a powdery consistency and give the baby with a small amount of water or breast milk. In all other cases, it is recommended to use liquid "Nifuroxazide" (suspension for children).
Side effects
When using drugs of the nitrofuran group, the most common adverse reactions are from the digestive tract, which is directly related to the site of action of the drug. When taking the medicine "Nifuroxazide" for a child, there is a risk of developing dyspeptic disorders, cholestasis, hepatitis. With a low degree of probability, a manifestation of the reaction of individual intolerance to the drug by patients can be observed, which is accompanied by the occurrence of nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea. In the latter case, with a slight exacerbation of symptoms, treatment should not be stopped, since negative manifestations quickly disappear and are associated with the onset of the medication. In the presence of severe symptoms and a deterioration in the general well-being of the patient, the drug should be stopped.
The undesirable effect of the drug on the central nervous system is noted by the appearance of neuritis. Allergic reactions are manifested in the form of skin rash, itching, urticaria, pustulosis. In severe cases, hypersensitivity reactions may occur, including anaphylactic shock or angioedema. Taking the drug is rarely accompanied by disorders of the hematopoietic system.
Special instructions for taking the drug
Recall that therapy using the drug "Nifuroxazide" should not last more than 7 days. In the case of persistent diarrhea, the symptoms of which cannot be stopped within three days, it is necessary to review the treatment tactics in the direction of prescribing antibiotics. In case of severe diarrhea and the presence of dehydration symptoms, rehydration therapy and concomitant symptomatic treatment are carried out in parallel with the appointment of Nifuroxazide.
The composition of the drug includes lactose, therefore, patients suffering from a violation of the digestion of this substance, the use of the drug must be limited or completely discontinued. Against the background of taking "Nifuroxazide" it is not recommended to prescribe other oral agents due to the decrease in their effectiveness, which is associated with the presence of sorption properties of the active substance. When using the medication, alcohol intake is contraindicated, as this can lead to the appearance of disulfiram-like reactions, which are accompanied by disorders of the central nervous system (noise and ringing in the ears), flushing of the skin, tachycardia, a feeling of fear.
According to official information on the drug "Nifuroxazide" (instructions), a suspension for children and syrup are able to reduce the manifestation of adverse reactions from the intestines.
Use during pregnancy and lactation
There are no unequivocal data that indicate the dangers of taking the drug during pregnancy and lactation. Considering that Nifuroxazide is not absorbed from the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract and does not penetrate into breast milk, the administration of such a drug is possible if the potential positive effect for the mother's body is higher than the effect on the fetus.
Poisoning and overdose
Due to the low bioavailability, the symptoms of poisoning are unknown. When taking large doses of the drug, gastric lavage and immediate treatment for qualified medical help is recommended.
Release form
On the pharmaceutical market, Nifuroxazide is available as a suspension for oral administration (200 or 220 mg of the active substance in 5 ml of suspension, 90 ml vial), tablets for oral use (100 or 200 mg per 1 tablet) or capsules (200 mg of the drug in 1 capsule). Each patient can choose for himself a suitable form of release.
In what form do Nifuroxazide most often be bought? Syrup for children is more in demand, because babies are more likely to suffer from intestinal infections.
Synonyms
The drug is also available under the name "Enterofuril", "Ercefuril" in the form of capsules (100 or 200 mg each) and suspension for oral administration containing in 5 ml 200 mg of the active substance (nifuroxazide). Instructions for use for children with analogues is practically no different from the original. However, before using the medicine, it should still be carefully studied.
Nifuroxazide for children: reviews
This drug is used not only in pediatrics, but also in the practice of internal medicine. Almost all reviews on the use of "Nifuroxazide" in children are positive. This is due to its effectiveness in the treatment of various types of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as the presence of conveniently dosed forms of the drug in the form of a suspension and syrup.
In addition, "Nifuroxazide" for a child is a fairly safe drug, which leads to its widespread use in clinical practice.
Conclusion
"Nifuroxazide" for a child is the most effective drug that helps to quickly cope with diarrhea of infectious origin. The safety of the use of the drug is due to its low bioavailability, and high efficacy due to the action only in the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract. According to official information on the drug "Nifuroxazide" (instructions), a suspension for children and syrup are more preferred forms. Tablets, as a rule, are prescribed for adults.