The information is for reference only. Do not self-diagnose or self-medicate. Contact your doctor .
Among them, Furadonin is considered to be one of the most effective.
If it is not available in the pharmacy chain, you can select a suitable analogue that has a similar composition and effect.
Pharmacological action of furadonin when administered to animals
Pharmacological action of nitrofurantoin
- bacteriostatic antibacterial effect, but can also have a bactericidal effect, which depends on its concentration and sensitivity of bacteria. The exact mechanism of action of nitrofurantoin continues to be determined, but it is believed that the drug inhibits various enzyme systems in bacteria, including acetyl coenzyme A. In an acidic environment, the antibacterial activity of nitrofurantoin increases.
According to the instructions for use, furadonin is active against a number of gram-negative and some gram-positive microorganisms, including strains: E. coli, Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Enterococci, Staphylococcus aureus and epidermidis, Cltrobacter, Salmonella, Shigella and Corynebacterum. Furadonin exhibits little or no activity against most strains of Proteus Serratia or Acinetobacter; against Pseudomonas sp. Nitrofurantoin has no activity.
basic information
The drug belongs to the group of antimicrobial nitrofuran agents. It is not an antibiotic, but is capable of exerting a bacteriostatic and bactericidal effect on many types of pathogenic microorganisms (staphylococci, streptococci, Klebsiella, Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Shigella, etc.).
The mechanism is based on suppression of the synthesis of protein compounds in the walls of bacteria. Thus, the permeability of the cell membrane deteriorates, microorganisms cannot reproduce and die.
The main active ingredient is the synthetic substance nitrofurantoin. Furadonin is classified as a powerful antiseptic, not an antibacterial drug. A characteristic feature is the low level of pathogen resistance to nitrofurantoin.
Available in the form of tablets of 30, 50 and 100 mg, as well as in the form of a suspension for oral administration. Once in the body, it is quickly absorbed by the walls of the gastrointestinal tract and tends to penetrate the placental barrier and into breast milk. It is excreted mainly by the kidneys unchanged. During treatment, urine turns dark red.
In rare cases, side symptoms may occur in the form of allergies, abdominal pain, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, severe drowsiness, and disturbances in the rheological properties of the blood.
Often, women develop candidiasis or dysbiosis while taking the drug, so it is advisable to take antifungal drugs and probiotics in parallel.
Furadonin is a fairly inexpensive drug and is available in pharmacies without a prescription. The average cost is in the range of 60-150 rubles per package (depending on the concentration of the active component).
Indications and contraindications
Furadonin is widely used in urological practice for the treatment of acute or chronic diseases in the urinary system (cystitis, pyelonephritis, urethritis, pyelitis).
It is prescribed for preventive purposes during surgery (on the bladder, kidneys, etc.), installation of a urological catheter, and cystoscopy. Prescribed in complex therapy of bacterial-fungal or bacterial-viral infection. Helps with repeated relapses of diseases.
Among the main contraindications it is necessary to highlight:
- intolerance to components;
- renal pathologies;
- liver dysfunction (hepatitis, cirrhosis, etc.);
- problems with the cardiovascular system;
- congenital or acquired deficiency of B vitamins and the enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase;
- pregnancy and breastfeeding;
- patient age up to 1 month;
- inflammatory process in the prostate gland;
- purulent form of paranephritis.
It is important to note that for children under 3 years of age, Furadonin is prescribed in the form of a suspension. For all other age groups - tablets with different concentrations of the active substance.
Similar means
Today, pharmacists produce a large number of domestic and foreign analogues. Their selection is carried out exclusively by the attending physician, otherwise there is a high risk of complications.
Domestic substitutes
There are no direct analogues of Furadonin, but several drugs from the nitrofuran group can be identified that have a similar effect:
- Furazolidone. Available
in the form of capsules and soluble tablets for preparing a suspension. Used to treat cystitis, pyelitis and urethritis, inhibits the synthesis of bacterial cells. Contraindications are the same as for Furadonin. Side effects include allergies, nausea, vomiting and nervous disorders. For the treatment of pyelonephritis it is used as one of the components of a comprehensive diagnosis. The price of the drug is 50-150 rubles per package. - Furazidin . Another representative of the nitrofuran group. It has the same indications for use as the main drug. Not prescribed for pregnant women and children under 4 years of age, as well as for those with individual intolerance to this group of drugs. With the correct dose, no adverse reactions occur. Available in pharmacy chains with a prescription at prices ranging from 200 to 450 rubles per pack.
Foreign synonyms
There are also no direct analogues of Furadonin among foreign drugs, but a large number of drugs are produced that have a similar effect. Below is a list of the most popular:
- Furagin . Belongs to the group of nitrofurans and is used to treat acute and chronic diseases of the urinary system. It has a bacteriostatic effect, slowing down the process of hydrogen ion transfer by bacterial cells. Thus, the respiratory function of microorganisms is disrupted, which leads to their death. Not prescribed for pregnant and lactating women, children under 7 days after birth, patients with impaired liver and kidney function. Side effects include headache and dizziness, intestinal dysfunction, and allergic reactions. Sold in pharmacies for 170-250 rubles per pack, produced in Latvia.
- Furamag. The drug is produced in Latvia and also belongs to the group of nitrofuran drugs. Available in the form of enteric-coated capsules of 25 and 50 mg of active substance. It has a high bactericidal concentration and is considered one of the most effective drugs for the treatment of infectious diseases of the urinary system. Significantly reduces intoxication of the body and activates immune functions. It has the same contraindications as Furadonin. Adverse symptoms are rare. The average cost is 400-600 rubles per package.
- Furasol. Another Latvian-made drug, available in the form of tablets and powder for the preparation of a suspension. It has a powerful bactericidal effect and is prescribed to patients with genitourinary diseases. In the form of a solution, it is used for bacterial conjunctivitis. Not prescribed for pregnant and lactating women, children under 4 years of age, and patients with allergies to nitrofurans. To reduce the risk of developing side symptoms, it must be taken together with vitamin complexes (group B) and antihistamines. In acute forms of cystitis, douching with Furasol solution is prescribed. Price - 400-550 rubles.
Both drugs belong to the same pharmacological group and have similar indications for use. Some doctors claim that Furagin is more effective, it also has a milder effect and is less likely to cause side symptoms.
The main active component of Furagin is the synthetic substance furazidin. It has a powerful antibacterial effect and is available in the form of capsules, tablets and powder for preparing a suspension.
The difference from Furadonin is the ability to use this drug to prevent relapses, since microorganisms cannot resist it.
Furagin has a number of advantages, among which it is worth highlighting:
- lack of systemic effect on the body;
- activation of the immune system by increasing the function of protective protein compounds and the absorption function of leukocytes.
Can I take it simultaneously with Nitroxoline?
Both of these drugs belong to the group of nitrofurans. Taking them together is prohibited, as this leads to an overdose and can cause serious disturbances in the functioning of the nervous system.
Reviews from experts
In the absence of Furadonin, doctors often prescribe its analogues; almost all of them speak positively about them. Below are some expert opinions.
I consider Furamag the most effective analogue of Furadonin. It has long established itself in the medical drug market. Perfectly helps cope with bladder and kidney infections. With the correct dose, it does not cause side symptoms.
Danilov S.P., urologist
I recommend taking Furagin, it is an effective drug for treating infections of the urinary system. Affordable and well tolerated by patients.
Nazemtseva R.K., urologist
Patients' opinions
All analogues of Furadonin are popular, as evidenced by positive reviews from people. Here are a few of them:
I was faced with acute cystitis, the doctor prescribed Furadonin, but I couldn’t find it in pharmacies. I purchased an analogue of Furagin. I was very pleased with the medicine, after 3 days all the unpleasant symptoms disappeared. The price is quite reasonable.
Use of furadonin for animal therapy
According to the instructions for use, the indications for nitrofurantoin in veterinary medicine are quite broad. It is considered an antiseptic in the treatment of urinary tract diseases in animals and is prescribed primarily to dogs and cats, but also to horses for the treatment of lower urinary tract infections caused by susceptible bacteria. The drug is not effective for the treatment of cortical renal abscesses, peripheral abscesses, or other systemic infections in animals.
Analogs of "Furadonin": what can safely replace the medicine
If a person has inflammation in the genitourinary system caused by bacteria, antibiotics are indicated.
Furadonin is usually prescribed. If it is not available in the pharmacy, but treatment is urgently needed, the pharmacist can select a similar drug.
Medicine information
The product is an antimicrobial nitrofuran drug. It is not an antibiotic in the broad sense; it has a bactericidal effect on a number of pathogens.
It acts according to a simple scheme - it suppresses the synthesis of proteins inside bacteria. Substances do not pass through the cell membrane, the bacteria cannot reproduce and the entire population dies.
The drug contains a substance called nitrofurantoin. It is an antiseptic, not an antibiotic. Its peculiarity is that the infection has almost no resistance to this medicine.
There are several forms of tablets - 30, 50 and 100 milligrams, but there are also suspensions. The substance dissolves in the gastrointestinal tract, can pass through the placenta and enters breast milk. Excreted via the kidneys. Because of it, the urine turns red.
Side effects are possible but rare. Usually these are allergies, diarrhea, shortness of breath, drowsiness, and blood disorders.
Women may develop thrush, so you can use antifungal suppositories and take probiotics at the same time.
This medicine is inexpensive and sold without a prescription. The price does not exceed 150 rubles per pack and depends on the dose.
Indications for use
The medicine is often prescribed by urologists to treat various diseases of the urinary system.
Can be used for prophylaxis after surgery on the genitourinary system, when placing a catheter, or cystoscopy. May be part of therapy for fungi, viruses or bacteria. Can be used for relapses.
There are contraindications:
- allergic reaction;
- kidney disease;
- kidney diseases;
- disturbances in the functioning of the cardiovascular system;
- deficiency of B vitamins and a special enzyme;
- pregnancy and breastfeeding;
- age up to a month;
- inflammation of the prostate gland;
- paranephritis.
For children under three years of age, a suspension is used. For others, only tablets with different dosages of the substance.
Analogs
Pharmaceutical companies offer a large number of analogues in Russia and abroad. A doctor can select them, assessing all the risks.
Russian analogues
It is difficult to find a direct replacement for the drug, but there are several drugs with similar effects.
"Furazolidone" is capsules and tablets for dissolution in water. They treat cystitis and kidney diseases; the drug stops the synthesis of bacteria.
Contraindications are similar to Furadonin. Side effects include diarrhea, vomiting, and disturbances in the functioning of the nervous system. If it is necessary to treat pyelonephritis, it is used as a component of the general scheme. Costs up to 150 rubles per pack.
Furazidin belongs to the same group of drugs. Indications for use are the same; it should not be taken during pregnancy or in children under four years of age; it may cause allergies. If the dose is calculated correctly, there will be no side effects. Costs up to 450 rubles per pack.
Foreign analogues
There are no direct analogues among foreign drugs, but there are drugs with similar properties.
“Furagin” is also nitrofuran, it is used to treat chronic and acute diseases of the kidneys and bladder. Stops the proliferation of bacteria and prevents them from transporting hydrogen ions. It does not allow bacteria to breathe, which causes them to die.
Do not take during pregnancy and breastfeeding, for children under one week of age, as well as for kidney and liver diseases. Side effects include headache, gastrointestinal dysfunction, and allergies.
Price – 250 rubles per pack, production – Latvia.
“Furamag” is also made in Latvia and belongs to the same group. Available as capsules weighing 25 and 50 milligrams. The most effective drug for bacterial infections of the urinary system. Reduces the concentration of toxins in the blood, helps allergies work. Contraindications are general, side effects are rare. The cost is high - up to 600 rubles.
Furasol is also produced in the Republic of Latvia and comes in the form of tablets and powder. It affects bacteria and treats diseases of the genitourinary system. The solution successfully fights conjunctivitis.
Cannot be used during breastfeeding and pregnancy, children under four years of age, or if you are allergic to the components of the drug. To reduce the risk of side effects, it is recommended to take it together with B vitamins and allergy medications.
For the treatment of acute cystitis, douching with this medicine is prescribed. Cost – up to 550 rubles.
What to choose: “Furadonin” or “Furagin”
All drugs belong to the same pharmacological group, the indications for them are the same. Some doctors are confident that Furagin is more effective, acts more gently and has no serious side effects.
Furagin's main component is furazidin. It is an antibacterial substance that is sold in the form of capsules, powders and tablets. It is used to prevent relapses because bacteria cannot cope with it.
Furagin has several advantages:
- no systemic effect on the body;
- immunity improves due to an increase in the quality of protein compounds and the absorption capacity of leukocytes.
An overdose of these tablets has more severe consequences. Furadonin is more successful in combating the symptoms of acute cystitis. Therefore, the choice of medicine remains up to specialists. It will be based on the characteristics of the disease.
Can I drink it with nitroxoline?
These medications belong to the same group of drugs.
They cannot be taken together, because an overdose is possible, which can cause a malfunction of the nervous system.
Reviews from doctors
If it is not possible to buy Furadonin, its analogues can be prescribed; there are only good reviews about them.
Petrov S.G., urologist
I consider Furamag to be the best analogue of “Furadonin”. He has good reviews among all urologists. Successfully fights kidney and bladder diseases. If you choose the right dosage, there are no side symptoms.
Kirka L.V., urologist
I prescribe Furagin because it is effective for most diseases of the urinary system. It is inexpensive, and patients respond well.
Pharmacokinetics of furadonin in animals
Pharmacokinetics of nitrofurantoin in animals: the drug is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, the presence of food enhances the absorption of the drug. The macrocrystalline form of the drug is absorbed more slowly with less gastrointestinal upset. Due to the slow absorption of nitrofurantoin, its level in the urine can be maintained for a long time.
Furadonin does not reach therapeutic levels in the systemic circulation in cats and dogs
, since after absorption there is rapid elimination. Nitrofurantoin is approximately 20-60% bound to serum proteins. The maximum concentration is observed 30 minutes after administration. The drug penetrates the placenta; only a minimal amount of furadonin is found in the milk of animals.
About 40-50% of the drug is eliminated unchanged in animals in the urine by glomerular filtration and tubular secretion. Part of nitrofurantoin is metabolized mainly in the liver. The elimination half-life in a person with normal renal function averages 20 minutes.
Reviews from owners and veterinarians
Alla, Ulan-Ude:
“Once I noticed that during a walk my chow-chow began to urinate for a long time. Moreover, in the apartment she showed anxiety, sat down in the corners, as if she wanted to go to the toilet, it was clear that the animal was experiencing discomfort. We went to the veterinarian, diagnosed cystitis and prescribed Furadonin.
She gave it twice a day with food. On the third day, the dog behaved calmer. During the treatment, she noted that because of the pills, the color of the urine changed - it became bright yellow. The doctor said that this is a normal reaction and there is no need to be alarmed. The course of treatment continued for a week. The cystitis has gone away, I hope we won’t see him again.”
Oksana, Dzerzhinsk:
“Last year I encountered cystitis in my collie. The dog often began to ask to go outside, behaved restlessly, and sometimes we just came home from a walk when she scratched the door again. The veterinarian said it was cystitis and prescribed treatment with Furadonin.
The tablets quickly helped overcome inflammation and infections. I’m glad that I noticed the disease right away, I think that’s why I was able to recover quickly and avoid complications. I advise my dog breeders to use this drug, of course, only after consulting a doctor.”
Evgenia, veterinarian, Kostroma:
“I have been using Furadonin in my practice for a long time. It is an excellent antimicrobial agent and is prescribed for infectious diseases associated with the genitourinary system in animals.
I recently prescribed the drug to the owners of a dachshund. The dog could not control himself, went to the toilet at home, and could not wait to go for a walk. At the same time, drops of blood were observed in the urine, and there was a specific and very unpleasant smell.
Together with Furadonin, she advised the owners to give vitamins. The course of treatment lasted five days, Furadonin had no side effects, and the animal quickly recovered.”
Contraindications for the use of furadonin in cats, dogs and other animals
According to the instructions for use, nitrofurantoin is contraindicated in animals with kidney damage, since in this case the effectiveness of the drug is sharply reduced and the likelihood of developing a toxic effect increases. Furadonin is also contraindicated in animals that are hypersensitive to it.
In humane medicine, nitrofurantoin is contraindicated when labor is approaching and in newborns, since hemolytic anemia may develop due to underdevelopment of the enzyme system. The safety of using furadonin in early pregnancy in animals has not been established. It is assumed that nitrofurantoin can cause infertility in male dogs, therefore, in these cases, the effectiveness of drug treatment should be carefully correlated with possible side effects.
Side effects
Like any other drug, Furadonin can cause side effects. Also, the dog’s condition may worsen due to incorrect dosage.
In case of side effects or overdose, the pet may experience:
- nausea;
- vomiting;
- diarrhea;
- stomach pain;
- cough;
- shortness of breath;
- headaches;
- dizziness;
- drowsiness;
- rash and itching on the skin and mucous membranes;
- fever.
If any of these symptoms appear, the dog should be given as much water and activated charcoal as possible and immediately consult a veterinarian .
Learn about essential antimicrobials in animals
- Trichopolum in veterinary medicine
- Instructions for the use of the antibiotic Baytril in animals
- Use of metronide in veterinary medicine
- Use of ceftriaxone for animals
- Use of Metrogyl in animals
- Instructions for doxycycline in animals
- Metronidazole (Metronidazole) for animals (instructions for use in veterinary medicine, doses, indications and contraindications)
- Atovaquone (ATOVAQUONE)
- Azithromycin for veterinary use
Drug interactions with furadonin
According to the label, uricosuric drugs such as sulfinpyrazone or probenecid may inhibit renal excretion of nitrofurantoin
and increase its toxicity in dogs, cats and other animal species, as well as reduce its effectiveness in the treatment of urinary tract infections.
Nitrofurantoin may antagonize the antimicrobial activity of fluoroquinolones (eg, enrofloxacin, ciprofloxacin), so their combined use in veterinary medicine is not recommended.
Antacids containing magnesium trisilicate may inhibit the absorption of furadonin when administered orally. Food and anticholinergic drugs may increase the bioavailability of nitrofurantoin when administered orally. The effect of furadonin on laboratory parameters can lead to false-positive results when determining glucose in urine when using a test with copper sulfate solutions (Benedict's reagent, Clinitest®). Nitrofurantoin has no effect on the determination of urine glucose using the glucose oxidase method.
Nitrofurantoin may cause a decrease in blood glucose and an increase in serum creatinine, bilirubin, and alkaline phosphatase in all animal species.
Doses of furadonin
Nitrofurantoin is widely used in dogs:
For drug-sensitive bacterial urinary tract infections:
- dosage for dogs: 4 mg/kg per os every 6 hours (Osborne and Lulich 1987);
- Furadonin is dosed in dogs
for recurrent infectious diseases of the urinary tract: standard dose 4 mg/kg per os every 8 hours; prophylactic dose of 3–4 mg/kg per os every 24 hours (to be given in the evening immediately after urination and just before bedtime) (Polzin and Osborne 1985); - For dogs, nitrofurantoin is used in a dosage regimen of 4 mg/kg per os 3 times a day (Morgan 1988).
Application of furadonin to cats:
For drug-sensitive bacterial urinary tract infections:
- furadonin is prescribed to cats at a dose of 4 mg/kg
per os every 6 hours (Osborne and Lulich 1987); - for recurrent infectious diseases of the urinary tract in cats: standard dose of nitrofurantoin 4 mg/kg per os every 8 hours. Prophylactic dose for cats: 3-4 mg/kg per os every 24 hours (to be given in the evening immediately after urination and just before bedtime) (Polzin and Osborne 1985).
Instructions for the use of furadonin in horses For drug-sensitive bacterial urinary tract infections:
- furadonin is dosed in horses at the rate of 2.5-4.5 mg/kg
per os 3 times a day (Robinson 1987); - the horse dose is 10 mg/kg per os daily (Huber 1988a).
Pregnant, lactating and puppies
Early childhood is a contraindication to the use of Furadonin, therefore it is forbidden to give the drug to puppies. Each case of illness in puppies of different ages should be considered individually by a veterinarian.
Prescribing medication to pregnant females requires great caution, but in most cases, veterinarians advise holding off on taking this drug.
If there is a need to treat a nursing female with Furadonin, the puppies should be transferred to artificial feeding.
