Nitrofuran
Nitrofuran
Nitrofuran (pronunciation: /ˈnaɪtrəˌfjʊərən/) is a class of antibacterial drugs that are characterized by a nitrofuran functional group.
Etymology
The term "Nitrofuran" is derived from two words: "nitro" referring to the nitro group (NO2) and "furan" referring to the furan ring structure present in these compounds.
Usage
Nitrofurans are primarily used in the treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs). They work by inhibiting bacterial DNA synthesis, thereby preventing the bacteria from reproducing and spreading. The most commonly used nitrofuran is Nitrofurantoin, which is specifically indicated for the treatment of UTIs caused by Escherichia coli or Staphylococcus saprophyticus.
Related Terms
- Nitrofurantoin: A type of nitrofuran used to treat urinary tract infections.
- Furan: A heterocyclic organic compound that forms the basis of the nitrofuran structure.
- Antibacterial: Substances that inhibit the growth or kill bacteria.
- Urinary tract infections: Infections that occur in any part of the urinary system.
Side Effects
Like all medications, nitrofurans can cause side effects. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In rare cases, nitrofurans can cause serious lung, liver, or nerve problems.
Precautions
Nitrofurans should not be used in people with a history of severe allergic reactions to them. They should also be used with caution in people with kidney disease, as the drugs are primarily excreted through the kidneys.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Nitrofuran
- Wikipedia's article - Nitrofuran
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski