Furazolidone

Furazolidone is a synthetic **nitrofuran-derivative** antibacterial and antiprotozoal agent. Historically, it was utilized in small animal medicine as a second-line treatment for enteric infections, particularly those caused by *Giardia*, *Coccidia*, and various bacterial enteropathogens (e.g., *Campylobacter*, *Salmonella*, *E. coli*). > **Clinical Pearl:** Due to the withdrawal of human commercial products in many countries and the strict FDA prohibition of its extralabel use in food-producing animals (due to carcinogenic concerns associated with nitrofurans), its use in modern veterinary practice is exceedingly rare. Safer and more readily available alternatives like fenbendazole and metronidazole are now the standard of care for giardiasis and similar enteric infections.

กลไกการออกฤทธิ์: Furazolidone acts as a prodrug. Inside susceptible organisms, it is reduced by **bacterial flavoproteins** (nitroreductases) → highly reactive intermediate compounds are formed → these intermediates cause severe oxidative damage to **ribosomal proteins, DNA, and RNA**, disrupting cellular metabolism and inhibiting protein synthesis. * **Antiprotozoal mechanism:** While not fully elucidated, it likely involves similar oxidative damage to essential protozoal enzymes. * **MAO Inhibition:** Furazolidone also acts as a **monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)** in the mammalian host, which can lead to significant drug and dietary interactions (e.g., with tyramine-rich foods or sympathomimetic drugs).

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