Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

FURAZOLIDONE - ORAL

(fyou-razz-OH-leh-doan)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Furoxone

Uses

This medication is used in the treatment of diarrhea or enteritis caused by bacteria. It may also be useful in treating traveler's diarrhea, typhoid fever, cholera and salmonella infections.

How To Use

Take this medication by mouth as directed usually four times a day. This medication may be taken with food if stomach upset occurs. For best results, take each dose at evenly spaced intervals around the clock. This will ensure a constant level of medication in your blood. Take this medication for the full time prescribed. Stopping therapy too soon may result in a reinfection.

Side Effects

Headache, stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, dizziness or weakness may occur especially the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects become bothersome or severe, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: a fever, skin rash, itching, muscle aches, flushing, breathing trouble. This medication may cause the urine to turn brown in color. Do not be alarmed. Expect this effect. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Before using this drug, tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: blood disorders (G6PD deficiency), allergies (especially drug allergies). Avoid intake of alcohol during therapy and for 4 days after taking this medication. A reaction causing flushing, fever, chest tightness and breathing difficulties may occur. Use caution performing tasks requiring alertness if this medication makes you feel dizzy. Infants less than one month old should not receive this drug. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this medication appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: apraclonidine, brimonidine, bethanidine, bupropion, buspirone, carbamazepine, dextromethorphan, entacapone, herbal products (e.g., ma huang), indoramin, meperidine, papaverine, sibutramine, SSRI antidepressants (e.g., fluoxetine, citalopram), sympathomimetics (e.g., methylphenidate, ephedrine), tolcapone, tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, doxepin), "triptans" (e.g., sumatriptan, zolmitriptan). If you are currently using any of these medications, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting furazolidone. Before using this medication, tell your doctor of all medications you use, (both prescription and nonprescription), especially of: levodopa, insulin and oral diabetes drugs, other MAO inhibitors (e.g., linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, tranylcypromine), sedatives, sleeping pills, drugs used for blood pressure. Consult your doctor about the need to watch your intake of foods containing tyramine. It is possible consuming tyramine- containing foods while using this medication could cause headache and/or increased blood pressure and could lead to a medical emergency. Tyramine food precautions should be observed for at least 2 weeks after you stop using this medication. The following is a partial list of tyramine-containing foods: Meat or Fish - pickled herring/liver/dry sausage/salami/meats prepared with tenderizer, Dairy - yogurt/sour cream/aged cheeses (cream or cottage cheese are okay), Beverages - beer/red wine/sherry - Avoid excessive amount of caffeine-containing colas/coffee/tea, Fruits and Vegetables - avocado/bananas/figs/raisins/broad beans/sauerkraut, Other - yeast extract/soy sauce/large amounts of chocolate. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Notes

Laboratory tests may be done while taking this medication to monitor its effects.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom.