Furazolidone is an antibiotic and anti-protozoal. It’s often used to treat diarrhoea and enteritis caused by bacteria and protozoa. It can sometimes be used in the treatment of giardiasis. It has been as part of a successful treatment protocol to treat Blastocystis hominis and when found with Dientamoeba fragilis. The Centre for Digestive Disease who specialise in the treatment of these parasites have found a success rate of around 82% when combined with their treatment protocols

It is also used as part of quadruple therapy for treating Helicobacter pylori infections Your doctor may use Furazolidone for another reason not listed here.

HOW IT WORKS

Furazolidone works by killing bacteria and protozoa (tiny, one-celled animals)

SIDE EFFECTS May include:

• Headache • Lowered blood pressure and dizziness • Fever • Joint pain • Stomach upset • Nausea and Vomiting SAFETY Furazolidone should not be used in people with an allergy to Furazolidone. Use in children, pregnancy or breastfeeding only under supervision of a medical practitioner. It also interacts with many different medications and foods so please tell your doctor or pharmacist what other medicines you take. Concern has been raised in the U.S over the toxicity of Furazolidone. USUAL DOSAGES For cholera or diarrhoea caused by bacteria: Take dose up to four times per day for 7-10 days as directed

Quadruple therapy for H. pylori: Take 1 dose twice daily with other therapies

For giardia: Take dose up to four times per day for 7-10 days as directed TOP TIPS

• To prevent dehydration caused by diarrhoea make sure you have enough to drink or use a electrolyte supplement • Continue the entire course of Furazolidone even if you feel better

This material is for educational use only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

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