Furazolidone (By mouth)

Introduction

Furazolidone (fure-a-ZOL-i-done)

Treats certain kinds of bowel and stomach infections that cause diarrhea.

Brand Name(s)

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

• Store at room temperature away from heat, moisture and direct light. Do not refrigerate the oral liquid.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine and for 4 days after your last dose. Alcohol can cause flushing, fever, shortness of breath, and a tight feeling in your chest.
• You should not use medicines that may contain alcohol, such as some kinds of cough or cold medicines, while taking furazolidone.
• Make sure you follow any diet changes your doctor orders while you are taking furazolidone. Certain food and drinks can cause dangerously high blood pressure if you eat them while taking this medicine. Some of these are: aged cheese, smoked or pickled meats, fish, or poultry, sour cream, red or white wine, sherry, beer (including non-alcoholic beer), broad beans, bologna, pepperoni, salami, summer sausage, sauerkraut, liqueurs, anchovies, caviar, liver, figs, raisins, bananas, avocados, chocolate, soy sauce, yeast, yogurt, meats prepared with tenderizers, and caffeine (coffee, tea, or cola).
• Before you take furazolidone, tell your doctor if you are taking diet pills, decongestant medicine such as pseudoephedrine, phenylpropanolamine, nasal sprays, or medicine for pain or depression.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.
• Talk with your doctor before taking furazolidone if you have diabetes or glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD).
• This medicine may cause your urine to turn an orange or brown color. This is normal.
• This medicine may make you dizzy. Avoid driving or using machinery until you know how the medicine will affect you.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Hives, rash, or severe itching
• Fever that lasts more than 24 hours, sore throat

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to furazolidone or if you are taking a medicine called a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor, such as phenelzine (Nardil®), isocarboxazid (Marplan®), or selegiline (Eldepryl®). This medicine should not be given to babies less than one month old. Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine and for 4 days after you stop taking the medicine.

How to Use This Medicine

Tablet, Liquid

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take and how often.
• You may take this medicine with food to avoid an upset stomach.
• Do not share your medicine with anybody else.
• If you cannot swallow the tablet whole, you may crush it and take it with a spoonful of corn syrup.
• Measure your oral liquid dose carefully using a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup.
• Shake the oral liquid bottle well before each use.

If a dose is missed:

• Take the missed dose as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for your next dose.
• Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next regular dose.
• You should not use two doses at the same time.