Inquiry Basket
Loading ......
Filter By Product Search for
Nitrofurantoin
Nitrofurantoin Full Name
Nitrofurantoin
Nitrofurantoin Introduction
Nitrofurantoin is a synthetic antibacterial agent belonging to the nitrofuran class, which has been used since the 1950s for treating bacterial infections. Its distinctive chemical structure gives it a unique position among antimicrobial drugs. In clinical practice, nitrofurantoin is primarily employed for the treatment and prevention of urinary tract infections. Its antibacterial function stems from a unique pharmacological mechanism: it acts as a prodrug, whose nitrofuran ring is reduced by bacterial nitroreductase into highly active intermediates. These intermediates can attack bacterial ribosomal proteins, DNA, RNA, and various enzyme systems, thereby disrupting bacterial metabolism and leading to cell death. This multi-target mechanism makes it relatively difficult for bacteria to develop resistance to nitrofurantoin.
Figure 1. Chemical structure of NF. (Source: Mahdizade Ari M, et al. 2023)
Its pharmacokinetic properties are key to its suitability for urinary tract infections. After oral administration, nitrofurantoin is well absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, though the rate of absorption can be influenced by food, particle size, and gastrointestinal pH. Once absorbed, the drug is widely distributed throughout the body. Its most notable characteristic, however, is its rapid concentration in the kidneys and subsequent excretion into the urine. This results in drug concentrations in urine that are significantly higher than in plasma, allowing effective therapeutic levels to be achieved at the site of infection—namely, the bladder and urethra. However, it distributes poorly to tissues such as the prostate and cerebrospinal fluid, limiting its use in certain deep-seated infections. The drug is partially metabolized in the liver and tissues, and its metabolic pathways are not yet fully understood. Bacterial enzymes are also involved in its activation. nitrofurantoin is primarily excreted rapidly via urine through glomerular filtration and tubular secretion, with a small amount eliminated through bile. It is important to note that in patients with renal impairment, its excretion may slow down, potentially leading to increased systemic toxicity. Therefore, it should be used with caution or avoided in such individuals.
Alternate Names for Nitrofurantoin
Macrodantin; 5-Nitrofurantoin; Furadantine; Furadonine;
Loading ......
