Furacin

Furacin is used topically for the treatment of infected burns. It is also applied on the skin grafts after an infection of that skin.

Its mechanism of action involves slowing the growth of the bacteria or killing them.

Nitrofurazone is either topically applied directly to the affected skin or it may be placed on a gauze and then the skin is covered with that gauze pad.

Nitrofurazone is only available through your doctor's prescription.

It is available in following three dosage forms:

• Solution
• Ointment
• Cream

Before using Furacin, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it.

Your doctor will consider risks before prescribing the drug and will inform you about them.

Following factors should be considered before taking this drug:

• Allergies: If you have had an allergic reaction to this drug in the past, inform your doctor. You should also tell your healthcare provider if you are allergic to any other drugs or food products.
• Age-specific problems: The data regarding the effects of this medicine specific to the pediatric age group is not yet available. The studies and clinical trials have only been performed in the adult population. Similarly, no significant problems were found in the studies specific to the geriatric age group.
• Drug Interactions: There are certain drugs that should not be used together because they can interact inside the body which can have a harmful effect. On the other hand, certain drugs are allowed to be used together. So, you should tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking. If there is a chance of interaction between those two drugs, the doctor may change the dose or may prescribe an alternative drug. Furthermore, certain medications should not be taken with alcohol or tobacco, which may also result in harmful interactions.

Ask your doctor about the concurrent use of this drug along with alcohol or tobacco.

You should also inform your doctor about any other medical condition you may be suffering from; especially kidney disease because there are certain ingredients (polyethylene glycol) that may be present if the topical solution or soluble dressing which may get absorbed into the blood stream.

These ingredients usually get excreted in a person with normal kidney function but in a person with kidney failure, these may lead to adverse effects.

To use Furacin correctly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor.

You can either apply for the medicine directly on the affected area or you may place the medicine on gauze first and then use it to cover the affected area.

It depends on the usual dressing technique of the affected area. The dose of this drug varies according to the condition of each person.

The number of doses per day, the time interval between the doses and the length of time you have to take the medicine depends on your condition individually and all these factors should only be determined by your healthcare provider.

Follow each and every instruction of your doctor and also, read the label carefully. In case you miss one dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as you can.

If it is almost time for your subsequent dose, you can then skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule.

Storage

This medicine should be stored at room temperature within a closed container, away from heat, direct light, and moisture.

Keep this drug out of the reach of children. Do not store expired or outdated medicines or the medicine that's no longer needed.

Keep this medicine away from any alkaline material like soap or ammonia.

While using Furacin, there are some precautions you must take.

Contact your doctor if your burn or infection does not improve or gets worse after application of topical nitrofurzone.

It is important to allow your doctor to monitor your progress and to make sure that there aren’t any side effects from the medication.

Contact your doctor if your symptoms have not improved even after taking the full course of treatment. Avoid taking any other medicine unless thoroughly discussed with your doctor.

Always ask your doctor before using any prescription, non-prescription or herbal medicine.

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Furacin. Although these side effects may occur only in a handful of patients but if they do occur, contact your physician immediately.

This medication is associated with following side effects:

• rash
• itching
• swelling

Seek medical help instantly, if you experience any of these symptoms while on Nitrofurazone.

Also, contact your healthcare professional immediately, if any of these side effects becomes more bothersome or does not go away.