Nifuroxazide: Difference between revisions

Nifuroxazide
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Revision as of 10:40, 15 February 2025

An antibiotic used to treat diarrhea and colitis

Nifuroxazide is an antibiotic used primarily in the treatment of diarrhea and colitis. It is a nitrofuran derivative that acts by inhibiting bacterial enzymes involved in the synthesis of nucleic acids.

Mechanism of Action

Nifuroxazide works by interfering with the bacterial enzymatic processes necessary for the synthesis of nucleic acids. This action inhibits the growth and replication of bacteria, making it effective against a broad spectrum of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Unlike many other antibiotics, nifuroxazide is not absorbed into the bloodstream, which limits its action to the gastrointestinal tract.

Uses

Nifuroxazide is primarily used to treat acute diarrhea caused by bacterial infections. It is also used in the management of colitis and other gastrointestinal infections. Due to its limited absorption, it is particularly useful in treating infections localized to the intestines.

Side Effects

Common side effects of nifuroxazide include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Since it is not absorbed systemically, it generally has fewer side effects compared to other antibiotics. However, allergic reactions such as rash and itching can occur.

Contraindications

Nifuroxazide should not be used in individuals with known hypersensitivity to nitrofuran derivatives. It is also contraindicated in patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency due to the risk of hemolytic anemia.

Administration

Nifuroxazide is available in oral formulations, including tablets and suspensions. The dosage and duration of treatment depend on the severity of the infection and the patient's age and weight.

Related pages

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-'''Nifuroxazide''' is an [[antibiotic]] primarily used to treat [[diarrhea]] caused by [[bacteria]]. It is a member of the [[nitrofuran]] class of antibiotics, which also includes drugs such as [[nitrofurantoin]] and [[furazolidone]]. Nifuroxazide is not absorbed from the [[gastrointestinal tract]], which means it can act directly on the bacteria causing the infection without systemic side effects.
+{{Short description|An antibiotic used to treat diarrhea and colitis}}
+{{Drugbox
+| verifiedfields = changed
+| verifiedrevid = 477002647
+| image = Nifuroxazide.svg
+| image_size = 200px
+| image_alt =
+| image_caption = Chemical structure of Nifuroxazide
+}}
-== History ==
+'''Nifuroxazide''' is an [[antibiotic]] used primarily in the treatment of [[diarrhea]] and [[colitis]]. It is a nitrofuran derivative that acts by inhibiting bacterial [[enzyme]]s involved in the synthesis of [[nucleic acids]].
-Nifuroxazide was first synthesized in the 1960s by the French pharmaceutical company [[Laboratoires Robert & Carrière]]. It has since been marketed under various brand names around the world, including Ercefuryl, Nifurox, and Diarstop.
+==Mechanism of Action==
+Nifuroxazide works by interfering with the [[bacterial]] [[enzyme|enzymatic]] processes necessary for the synthesis of [[nucleic acids]]. This action inhibits the growth and replication of [[bacteria]], making it effective against a broad spectrum of [[gram-positive]] and [[gram-negative]] bacteria. Unlike many other antibiotics, nifuroxazide is not absorbed into the bloodstream, which limits its action to the [[gastrointestinal tract]].
-== Mechanism of Action ==
+==Uses==
+Nifuroxazide is primarily used to treat [[acute diarrhea]] caused by bacterial infections. It is also used in the management of [[colitis]] and other gastrointestinal infections. Due to its limited absorption, it is particularly useful in treating infections localized to the [[intestines]].
-Nifuroxazide works by inhibiting the [[enzyme]]s that bacteria use to produce energy, effectively starving them to death. It is particularly effective against [[Escherichia coli|E. coli]], [[Shigella]], and [[Salmonella]], which are common causes of diarrhea.
+==Side Effects==
+Common side effects of nifuroxazide include [[nausea]], [[vomiting]], and [[abdominal pain]]. Since it is not absorbed systemically, it generally has fewer side effects compared to other antibiotics. However, allergic reactions such as [[rash]] and [[itching]] can occur.
-== Side Effects ==
+==Contraindications==
+Nifuroxazide should not be used in individuals with known hypersensitivity to nitrofuran derivatives. It is also contraindicated in patients with [[glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency]] due to the risk of hemolytic anemia.
-Like all drugs, Nifuroxazide can cause side effects. These are generally mild and may include [[nausea]], [[vomiting]], and [[rash]]. In rare cases, it can cause a severe allergic reaction known as [[anaphylaxis]].
+==Administration==
+Nifuroxazide is available in oral formulations, including tablets and suspensions. The dosage and duration of treatment depend on the severity of the infection and the patient's age and weight.
-== Usage ==
-Nifuroxazide is typically taken orally in the form of a capsule or suspension. The usual dose for adults is 200 mg four times a day, while children are usually given a lower dose. Treatment typically lasts for 5-7 days.
-== See Also ==
+==Related pages==
 * [[Antibiotic]]
 * [[Diarrhea]]
+* [[Colitis]]
 * [[Nitrofuran]]
 [[Category:Antibiotics]]
-[[Category:Gastrointestinal drugs]]
+[[Category:Nitrofurans]]
-{{medicine-stub}}
+[[Category:Gastrointestinal agents]]