Common use

Furazolidone is used to treat bacterial and protozoal infections. It works by killing bacteria and protozoa (tiny, one-celled animals). Some protozoa are parasites that can cause many different kinds of infections in the body. Furazolidone is taken by mouth. It works inside the intestinal tract to treat cholera, colitis, and/or diarrhea caused by bacteria, and giardiasis.

Dosage and direction

Furazolidone may be taken with food to lessen the chance of an upset stomach. The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
For oral dosage forms (oral suspension or tablets) - For cholera or diarrhea caused by bacteria: Adults - 100 milligrams (mg) taken four times a day for five to seven days.

Precautions

Do not eat foods that have a high tyramine content (most common in foods that are aged or fermented to increase their flavor), such as cheeses; yeast or meat extracts; fermented sausage (bologna, pepperoni, salami, summer sausage). If a list of these foods is not given to you, ask your health care professional to provide one.
Do not drink alcoholic beverages or alcohol-free or reduced-alcohol beer and wine.
Do not eat or drink large amounts of caffeine-containing food or beverages such as chocolate, coffee, tea, or cola.

Contraindications

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Because furazolidone may cause anemia, use in infants up to 1 month of age is not recommended.

Possible side effect

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur: Fever; itching; joint pain; skin rash or redness; sore throat.
Common side effects: Abdominal or stomach pain; diarrhea; headache; nausea or vomiting. This medicine commonly causes dark yellow to brown discoloration of urine. This side effect does not usually need medical attention.

Drug interaction

Do not take any other medicines unless approved or prescribed by your doctor. This includes nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) appetite suppressants (diet pills) or medicine for colds, sinus problems, or hay fever or other allergies.

Missed dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing. Keep out of the reach of children.