Description

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.

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.

Who Evaluation

Evaluation year: 1993