nitrofurazone
Furacin

Available forms
Available by prescription only
Cream: 0.2%
Ointment: 0.2% soluble dressing
Topical solution: 0.2%

Indications and dosages
 Adjunct for major burns (especially when resistance to other anti-infectives occurs); prevention of skin graft infection before or after surgery. Adults and children: Apply directly to lesion or to dressings used to cover affected area daily or as indicated, depending on severity of burn. Apply once daily or every few days, depending on dressing technique.

Pharmacodynamics
Antibacterial action: Exact mechanism of action is unknown. However, it appears that drug inhibits bacterial enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism. Nitrofurazone has a broad spectrum of activity against gram-positive and gram-negative organisms.

Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: Limited drug absorption with topical use.
Distribution: None.
Metabolism: None.
Excretion: None.

Contraindications and precautions
Contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to drug. Use cautiously in patients with known or suspected renal impairment.

Interactions
None reported.

Adverse reactions
Skin: erythema, pruritus, burning, edema, severe reactions (vesiculation, denudation, ulceration), allergic contact dermatitis.

Effects on lab test results
None reported.

Overdose and treatment
Discontinue use and cleanse area with mild soap and water.

Special considerations
• Investigationally, drug has been administered orally for the treatment of refractory African trypanosomiasis, acute bacillary dysentery, and testicular tumors. Diluted nitrofurazone solution with 6 to 10 parts of sterile water has been used for bladder irrigation.
• Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.
• If undiluted solution is cloudy, warm to 122° to 140° F (50° to 60° C).
• Prepare solutions for wet dressings by diluting nitrofurazone solution with distilled water (equal parts of each).
• Use diluted solutions within 24 hours after preparation; discard diluted solution that becomes cloudy.
• Monitor patient for overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms, including fungi and Pseudomonas.
Breast-feeding patients
• Safety in breast-feeding women hasn’t been established. Potential benefits to woman must be weighed against risks to infant.

Patient education
• Teach patient proper application of drug and to apply directly on lesion or place on gauze.
• Tell patient to avoid exposure of drug to direct sunlight, excessive heat, strong fluorescent lighting, and alkaline materials.

Reactions may be common, uncommon, life-threatening, or COMMON AND LIFE THREATENING.
◆ Canada only
◇ Unlabeled clinical use