Indications

Nitrofurazone (Furacin), a synthetic nitrofuran derivative with a broad antibacterial spectrum. Although its exact mechanism of action is unknown, it is thought to inhibit bacterial enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism. It is not effective against fungal or viral organisms. It is used as adjunctive therapy in patients with second- and third-degree burns when bacterial resistance to other antiinfective agents is a potential problem. It is not effective in the treatment ofminor burns or superficial bacterial infections involving wounds, cutaneous ulcers, or various pyodermas. It is rarely used by dermatologists as it carries a high risk of acquired contact sensitivity.

Manufacturing Process

A mixture of 43 grams of semicarbazide hydrochloride and 31 grams of sodium acetate is dissolved in 150 cc of water. The pH of this solution is approximately 5. Ethyl alcohol (95% by volume) in the amount of 250 cc is added and the mixture is stirred mechanically. A solution of 53.5 grams of carefully purified 2-formyl-5-nitrofuran in 250 cc of the said alcohol is added dropwise to the semicarbazide solution at room temperature. After completing the addition of the aldehyde solution, the mixture is stirred for another hour. The precipitate is removed from the reaction mixture by filtration. It is washed well with ethyl alcohol and dried to constant weight at 70°C in an oven. The product weighs 73 grams, corresponding to a yield of 97%. It is obtained in the form of pale yellow needles, which are not subjected to further purification, according to US Patent 2,416,234.

Therapeutic Function

Topical antiinfective

World Health Organization (WHO)

Nitrofural, a nitrofuran derivative with broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, was introduced in the early 1940s for the topical treatment of various skin conditions. It has also been used systemically for the treatment of African trypasonomiasis. Following recent findings of in vitro mutagenicity and of carcinogenicity in experimental animals, use of topical preparations containing this substance was restricted in Germany. Nitrofural remains registered in several countries and the World Health Organization is not aware of restrictive action having been taken elsewhere.

Air & Water Reactions

Insoluble in water.

Reactivity Profile

Furacilin darkens on prolonged exposure to light. Furacilin can react violently with reducing materials. .

Fire Hazard

Flash point data for Furacilin are not available; however, Furacilin is probably combustible.

Pharmaceutical Applications

A synthetic compound used in the topical treatment of wounds and burns and as an instillation for bladder washout. A nitrofurazone-impregnated urinary catheter is said to reduce infection in catheterized patients. Activity against the common bacterial pathogens is sufficient to cover most pathogens that cause infections of burns and wounds, with the important exception of Ps. aeruginosa. Attention has been drawn to its activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and its use in clearing carriage has been suggested. Slight absorption occurs from intact skin (c. 1%) and burned skin (5%). It is neither a primary irritant nor a sensitizer, but some preparations contain polyethylene glycol as a vehicle, and absorption can cause problems in patients with reduced renal function. Of limited availability.

Contact allergens

Nitrofurazone is an antibacterial agent used in animal feeds. Occupational dermatitis was reported in cattle breeders or farmers.

Safety Profile

Poison by ingestion and intraperitoneal routes. Moderately toxic by subcutaneous route. Questionable carcinogen with experimental carcinogenic, neoplas tigenic, tumorigenic, and teratogenic data, Experimental reproductive effects. A human sensitizer. Human mutation data reported. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of NOx.

Synthesis

Nitrofurazone is the semicarbazone 5-nitrofurfurol (33.3.1). It is synthesized by reacting 5-nitrofurfurol with semicarbazide.

Veterinary Drugs and Treatments

Nitrofurazone can be used topically as an antibacterial for treating or preventing superficial infections. It is a nitrofuran antibacterial that is bactericidal for many bacteria, including E. Coli, Staph aureus, etc. Nitrofurazone’s mechanism of action is thought to be associated with inhibiting bacterial enzymes that primarily degrade glucose and pyruvate.

Definition

A type of organic compound containing the C:N.NH.CO.NH2 grouping, formed by reaction of an aldehyde or ketone with semicarbazide (H2N.NH.CO.NH2). The compounds are crystalline solids with sharp melting points, which can be used to characterize the original aldehyde or ketone.

Brand name

Actin-N (Sherwood); Furacin (Shire);Acmor-s;Akutol;Anginofur;Auroid;Beca furazona;Bifuran;Burnazone;Dermobion;Ectofural;Escofuran;Escofuron;Fluorobioptal;Furacilinum;Furacinas;Furacinethin;Furacin-sol;Furacin-streusol;Furacocid;Furacol;Furaseptin;Fura-septin;Fura-vet;Furea;Furesan;Furotalgin;Furovol;Germax;Germex;Ginejuvent;I fomula;Ii formula;Kamfomen;Kindrog;Lifuzol;Mammiject;Mastidol;Muldacin;Neovagon;Nfz 1;Nitocetin;Nitrocol plus;Nitro-rea;Notaba;Sanifur;Scandantin;Sulfamyton-n;Taristop;Tranoxa;Tuocurine;Urafadyn;Uroletten;Viropulver;Yalrocin;Zoppin spray blu.

General Description

Odorless pale yellow needles or yellow powder. pH (saturated aqueous solution) 6.0 - 6.5. Alkaline solutions are dark orange.

Who Evaluation

Evaluation year: 1993