Furazolidone
Also known as: Furoxone, Enterolidon, Exofur, Furasian, Furion, Furoxona, Fuxol, Giarcid, Giardil, Giarlam, Neo Furasil, Nifuran, Novafur, Salmocide, Seforman
- **Urine Discoloration:** Furazolidone may innocuously discolor your pet's urine to a dark yellow or brown color; this is not significant and should not cause alarm. - **Gastrointestinal Upset:** Watch for signs of decreased appetite, vomiting, abdominal cramping, or diarrhea. Have clients report prolonged or serious GI effects to their veterinarian. - **Dietary Restrictions:** Because this drug affects certain enzymes (MAO), avoid feeding your pet foods high in tyramine (like certain fish or poultry) unless directed otherwise by your vet. - **Missed Doses:** Give the missed dose as soon as you remember, but never give two doses at once.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Giardia
- Giardia
- Cystoisospora spp.
- Coccidiosis
- Giardiasis
- Amebiasis
- Amebic colitis
- Coccidiosis
- Giardia
- Susceptible infections
- Amebic colitis
- Coccidiosis
- Giardia
- Cystoisospora spp.
- Coccidiosis
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Anorexia
- Vomiting
- Abdominal cramping
- Diarrhea
- Urine discoloration (dark yellow to brown)
Cautions & contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to furazolidone or other nitrofurans
- Food-producing animals (FDA strictly prohibits extralabel use)
- Pregnant queens (per some references)
- Use with extreme caution due to its monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) properties, which can cause severe interactions with various drugs and tyramine-rich foods. The FDA strictly prohibits the extralabel use of furazolidone in food animals. May cause a false-positive urine glucose determination when using the cupric sulfate solution test (e.g., Clinitest).
Drug interactions
- Alcohol: May cause a disulfiram-like reaction.
- Amitraz: Concurrent use not recommended due to MAO inhibition; dangerous hypertension could occur.
- Buspirone: Concurrent use not recommended due to MAO inhibition; dangerous hypertension could occur.
- Selegiline: Concurrent use not recommended due to MAO inhibition; dangerous hypertension could occur.
- Sympathomimetic amines (phenylpropanolamine, ephedrine, etc.): Concurrent use not recommended due to MAO inhibition; dangerous hypertension could occur.
- Tricyclic antidepressants: Concurrent use not recommended due to MAO inhibition; dangerous hypertension could occur.
- High tyramine foods (fish, poultry): Concurrent use not recommended due to MAO inhibition; dangerous hypertension could occur.
Frequently asked questions
What is Furazolidone used for in pets?
- **Urine Discoloration:** Furazolidone may innocuously discolor your pet's urine to a dark yellow or brown color; this is not significant and should not cause alarm. - **Gastrointestinal Upset:** Watch for signs of decreased appetite, vomiting, abdominal cramping, or diarrhea. Have clients report prolonged or serious GI effects to their veterinarian. - **Dietary Restrictions:** Because this drug affects certain enzymes (MAO), avoid feeding your pet foods high in tyramine (like certain fish or poultry) unless directed otherwise by your vet. - **Missed Doses:** Give the missed dose as soon as you remember, but never give two doses at once.
Is Furazolidone safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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