Category- Allopathy
Medicine Highlights
| Uses | 1. To treat stomach and intestinal infections caused by bacteria, fungi and parasites 2. To treat cholera 3. To treat colitis |
| Common Side Effects | 1. Nausea or upset stomach 2. Vomiting 3. Stomach pain or cramps 4. Metallic taste in the mouth 5. Headache |
| Additional Information | 1. Take the medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor; do not skip doses. 2. Usually taken after food to avoid stomach upset. |
| Storage | 1. The medicine should be stored at room temperature. 2. Keep away from sunlight and moisture. 3. Keep away from the reach of children |
| How to Take This Medicine | Take this medication orally with a sip of water |
Furazolidine Uses
Furazolidone 100 mg is an antibiotic medicine belonging to the category of nitroimidazoles. It is useful for the following indications:
- Stomach or intestinal infections caused by bacteria or parasites
- Certain types of diarrheas caused by bacteria or parasites
- Cholera
- Colitis
Furazolidine side effects
More Common
- Nausea or upset stomach
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain or cramps
- Metallic taste in the mouth
- Headache
Less Common
- Dizziness or feeling lightheaded
- Rash or itching
- Swelling or redness of the skin
- Dark urine
- Seizures or severe allergic reactions
How Furazolidine works
Furazolidone works by entering harmful bacteria and protozoa and damaging their DNA and proteins, which stops them from multiplying. This breakdown weakens the germs, so the body’s defenses can clear the infection.
Safety Measures and Warning
Pregnancy
Furazolidone may affect the developing fetus, particularly in early pregnancy. Consult with your healthcare provider before using.
Breastfeeding
The medicine can pass into breast milk and may affect the baby’s health. Doctors usually recommend avoiding it or using an alternative while breastfeeding.
Liver Problems
Furazolidone is processed in the liver. If your liver is not working well, the medicine can build up in your body, increasing the risk of side effects like nausea, vomiting, or confusion.
Allergy or Hypersensitivity
If you have ever had an allergy to furazolidone, inform your doctor before using it, as it may cause serious reactions like rash, swelling, or breathing problems.
Furazolidine Interaction with Food Product
Furazolidone can interact with certain foods and medicines because it behaves like an MAOI (monoamine oxidase inhibitor). Eating aged cheese, smoked meats, alcohol, or foods rich in tyramine while on this drug can dangerously raise blood pressure.
Furazolidine Interaction with Other Medicines
Avoid taking Furazolidine 100 mg with the following medicines, as it may increase or decrease the desired effect, or in worse cases, it could be fatal:
Furazolidine Chemical Structure
IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry)/ Chemical name
3-[(E)-(5-nitrofuran-2-yl)methylideneamino]-1,3-oxazolidin-2-one
Intake routine/cycle
Daily dose
Take furazolidine exactly as your doctor recommends. The dose may change based on your condition and how well you respond. Do not take more than prescribed without consulting your doctor.
Missed Dose
If you forget to take your medicine, take the medication as soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Always consult the doctor before making any changes to your dosage.
Overdose
Do not take more than 600 mg of furazolidone a day, as the maximum dose increases the risk of serious side effects such as nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, dizziness, confusion, numbness, or seizures. In such a case, seek medical help immediately.
Storage
- Store the medicine at room temperature.
- Keep away from sunlight and moisture.
- Keep out of reach of children.
Directions for use
- Take furazolidine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the same time each day.
- Do not stop taking furazolidine without your doctor’s approval, even if you feel better.
- If you forget to take furazolidone, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose.
Furazolidine Summary
Furazolidone 100 mg is an oral antibiotic and antiprotozoal agent mainly used to treat bacterial and protozoal gut infections like diarrhea, cholera, colitis, and giardiasis. It works by stopping the growth of harmful microbes in the intestines. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, and allergic reactions. It works by damaging microbial DNA and proteins which are essential for their growth and kills bacteria and protozoa. Furazolidone can interact with foods such as alcohol, aged cheese, smoked meats, and certain medicines so they should be avoided. Furazolidone also acts like a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), which can trigger serious blood pressure spikes. People with liver disease, kidney problems, or those taking antidepressants or adrenergic drugs should avoid it. Taking more than 600 mg of this medicine can cause overdosing effects like severe nausea, vomiting, convulsions, low blood pressure, and even life-threatening reactions, so medical help is urgent in such cases.
FAQ’s
What are the uses of furazolidone?
Furazolidone is used to fight infections caused by bacteria and certain parasites. It helps with stomach or intestinal infections and some types of diarrhea caused by bacteria or parasites.
What are the side effects of furazolidone?
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, metallic taste in the mouth, and headache. Less common side effects can be dizziness, rash, swelling, dark urine, or, in rare cases, seizures and severe allergic reactions. If severe reactions like difficulty breathing, swelling, or rash occur, seek medical help immediately.
How does furazolidone work?
Furazolidone enters the harmful bacteria or parasites in your body and stops them from making the materials they need to survive. This helps get rid of the infection and eases symptoms like stomach upset, diarrhea, or swelling.
Can I take furazolidone during pregnancy?
Furazolidone is usually not recommended in the first trimester unless your doctor says it is necessary. It may affect the baby’s development, so always consult your doctor before taking it while pregnant.
Reference
- Mayo Clinic. Furazolidone (oral route) [Internet]. Rochester (MN): Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2026 Jan 31 [cited 2026 Feb 28]. Available from.
- Drugs.com. Furazolidone: key safety & patient guidance [Internet]. Drugs.com; 2025 Aug 19 [cited 2026 Feb 28]. Available from.
- Practo. Furazolidone 100 Tablet: uses, dosage, side effects [Internet]. Practo Technologies Pvt Ltd; 2021 Nov 5 [cited 2026 Feb 28]. Available from.
- PubChem [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US), National Center for Biotechnology Information; 2004-. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 5323714, Furazolidone; [cited 2026 Feb. 28]. Available from.
Authors
Siva Krishna Adithya Bhumireddy completed a Bachelor of Pharmacy from GIET School of Pharmacy, affiliated with Andhra University, and from his 3rd year of graduation, he was working as a freelance medical and publication writer. Having expertise in systematic reviews and clinical research. With his keen interest and skills in research and documentation practices, he also reviewed more than 150 manuscripts from international journals like Elsevier, Springer Nature, and Sage Journals, and all the manuscripts were indexed and appeared in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, and he received honorary recognition letters and certificates from all of them. Siva Krishna Adithya also published a few systematic, narrative reviews and a few chapters of international expertise.