Nitrofural

Products

Nitrofural is marketed as a pump spray in combination with chloramphenicol and prednisolone acetate. It has been approved in many countries since 1967.

Structure and properties

Nitrofural (C6H6N4O4, Mr = 198.1 g/mol) exists as a yellowish to brownish yellow crystalline powder. It is odorless, has a bitter taste, and is very slightly soluble in water. Nitrofural is a furan derivative nitrated at position 5.

Effects

Nitrofural (ATCvet QD07CA03) has antibacterial properties with a broad spectrum of activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. These include staphylococci, streptococci, Klebsiella, Proteus, Escherichia coli, and Neisseria.

Mechanism of action

Fundamental to the effect is the 5-nitro group on the furan ring. This is reduced by bacterial nitroreductases, resulting in reactive metabolites that attack and damage bacterial DNA (strand breaks). This leads to disturbances in bacterial metabolism, including the citrate cycle, protein, DNA and RNA synthesis. At higher concentrations, nitrofural directly inhibits DNA replication. Resistance has been described. In resistant bacteria, nitroreductase is no longer active. As a result, nitrofural cannot be activated and thus cannot have a toxic effect on microorganisms. Cross-resistance to other nitrofurans is possible.

Indications

In combination with other active ingredients for external application to wounds and for the treatment of bacterially caused inflammatory skin diseases and necrosis in dogs, cats, and pets. In other countries, nitrofural is also used for burns, ulcers, preparation of skin grafts, and therapy of African sleeping sickness in humans.

Dosage

According to the SmPC. The effect of nitrofural depends on the dose. Nitrofural should not be used as continuous therapy because of its carcinogenic properties.

Contraindications

Nitrofural is contraindicated in hypersensitivity. Use in livestock is prohibited because nitrofural has mutagenic and some carcinogenic properties. Nitrofural has spermicidal effects and therefore must not be used in male breeding animals. For complete precautions, see the drug label.

Interactions

To date, no interactions have been reported with topical use.

Adverse effects

Nitrofural has mutagenic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic properties due to the formation of reactive species upon reduction of the nitro group. However, no fertility-damaging or embryotoxic effects have been observed to date. High doses of nitrofural cause infertility in rodents. In humans, contact allergy in the form of contact eczema may occur. This occurs mainly when used for more than 5 days. Cross-sensitization to other nitrofurans is possible.