Overview
Nifuroxazide is an oral nitrofuran antibacterial agent used for the treatment of acute infectious diarrhea. It acts locally in the gastrointestinal tract with minimal systemic absorption. It is not approved by the U.S. FDA but is available in many countries, including Jordan.
Mechanism of Action
Nifuroxazide is a nitrofuran derivative with antibacterial activity against a broad spectrum of enteropathogenic bacteria, including Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Shigella, and Vibrio cholerae. Its exact mechanism is not fully elucidated but is thought to involve inhibition of bacterial enzyme systems, particularly those involved in carbohydrate metabolism, leading to bactericidal effects. It acts locally within the intestinal lumen with minimal systemic absorption.
Indications
- Symptomatic treatment of acute infectious diarrhea
- Adjunctive therapy in diarrhea caused by susceptible bacteria
Dosage
Adults: 200 mg (2 tablets or 10 mL syrup) 4 times daily. Children: Dosage varies by age and formulation; typically 100-200 mg daily in divided doses. Treatment duration is usually 5-7 days or as directed by a physician. Should be taken with meals.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to nifuroxazide or other nitrofurans
- History of severe renal impairment
- Infants under 1 month of age due to risk of hemolytic anemia
Side Effects
- Gastrointestinal: Nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting
- Allergic: Skin rash, urticaria, angioedema
- Neurological: Headache, dizziness
- Hematological: Rare cases of hemolytic anemia in G6PD-deficient individuals
Interactions
- No significant drug interactions documented due to minimal systemic absorption
- Theoretical interaction with other nitrofurans
- May reduce efficacy of live bacterial vaccines