NITROFURAZONE
| NITROFURAZONE (nye-troe-fyoor'a-zone) Classifications: antibiotic; Therapeutic: antibiotic Pregnancy Category: C |
Availability
0.2% ointment
Action
Synthetic nitrofuran related to nitrofurantoin. Acts by inhibiting aerobic and anaerobic cycles in bacterial carbohydrate metabolism.
Therapeutic Effect
Bactericidal against most microorganisms causing surface infections, including many that have developed antibiotic resistance. Effective against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
Uses
As adjunctive therapy to combat bacterial infection in second- and third-degree burns; to prevent infection of skin grafts and donor sites. Has been used orally in other countries for treatment of late stage of African trypanosomiasis.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to nitrofurazone; renal impairment; pregnancy (category C).
Cautious Use
Known or suspected renal impairment; G6PD deficiency; lactation.
Route & Dosage
| Bacterial Infections Associated with Burns or Skin Grafts Adult: Topical Apply directly to lesion or dressings; reapply daily for second- or third-degree burns or q4–5d for second-degree burn with minimum exudation |
Administration
Topical- Confine applications to the part of body being treated. With wet dressings: Protect normal skin surrounding the wound with an agent such as sterile petrolatum, petrolatum gauze, or zinc oxide. Consult physician.
- Facilitate dressing removal by flushing the gauze with sterile isotonic saline solution.
- Consult physician regarding procedure for cleaning wound following each dressing removal.
- Preserve in tight, light-resistant container, away from heat.
Adverse Effects (≥1%)
Skin: Allergic contact dermatitis, irritation, sensitization, superinfections.Nursing Implications
Assessment & Drug Effects
- Withhold drug and notify physician at onset of symptoms of sensitization or allergy (e.g., redness, itching, burning, swelling, rash, failure to heal), and superinfections (e.g., black furry tongue, thrush, malodorous vaginal discharge, anogenital itching, diarrhea).
Patient & Family Education
- Learn appropriate technique for applying medication to skin lesions.
Common adverse effects in italic, life-threatening effects underlined; generic names in bold; classifications in SMALL CAPS; 
Canadian drug name; 
Prototype drug