- FURACIN (nitrofurazone)
COMPOSITION:
Furacin cream contains 200 mg nitrofurazone in 100 g water-miscible base.
Propylene Glycol 5g in 100g base. Preserved with methyl p-hydroxybenzoate 0,2% m/m and
propyl p-hydroxybenzoate 0,1% m/m.
PHARMACOLOGICAL CLASSIFICATION:
A.14.1 Wound disinfectants.
PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTION:
Furacin is a synthetic topical antibacterial agent unrelated to the antibiotics and
sulphonamides, with a broad spectrum of action.
INDICATIONS:
Furacin is indicated in bacterial skin infections including pyodermas, infected
dermatoses and infections of cuts, wounds, burns and ulcers due to susceptible organisms. Furacin
is also of value in other conditions such as treatment of skin graft donor sites and
otitis externa.
CONTRA-INDICATIONS:
Furacin is contra-indicated in patients with known sensitivity to nitrofurazone.
WARNINGS:
Furacin ointment should be used with caution in patients with known or suspected renal
impairment. The polyethylene glycols present in the base can be absorbed through large
areas and denuded skin and may cause progressive renal impairment and metabolic acidosis.
DOSAGE AND DIRECTIONS FOR USE:
Furacin ointment and cream:
Furacin ointment and cream is administered topically. Apply directly to the wound
with sterile tongue-depressor or other spatula. Alternatively, melt the ointment or cream
in a beaker at a little above body temperature and pour gently on to the wound.
The ointment or cream may also be applied on a gauze dressing. For extensive burned areas,
large strips of sterile gauze impregnated with Furacin are often preferred.
Bandages may be prevented from absorbing Furacin ointment or cream by covering the Furacin
impregnated gauze with an impermeable layer such as jaconet or gauze saturated with
petroleum jelly. If bandages stick, remove them by saturating with sterile saline.
Dressings may be left undisturbed on burns, cuts and wounds for 7 - 10 days.
SIDE-EFFECTS AND SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS:
Sensitisation and generalised allergic skin reactions may be produced. Intolerance to
nitrofurazone, necessitating withdrawal, has been encountered. Cross sensitisation to
other nitrofuran derivatives may occur.
Precautions:
It is not recommended to continue using Furacin when the infection is cleared.
When Furacin is used in the treatment of ear infection, the patient should be
warned to stop therapy if any signs of irritation or oedema of the meatus appear.
KNOWN SYMPTOMS OF OVERDOSAGE AND PARTICULARS OF ITS TREATMENT:
See side-effects.
Treatment is symptomatic and supportive.
IDENTIFICATION:
Furacin ointment is a bright lemon yellow ointment.
Furacin cream is a pale yellow cream.
PRESENTATION:
Furacin ointment is available in tubes of 25g and jars of 500g.
Furacin cream is available in tubes of 25g.
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Furacin ointment and cream is supplied in aluminium collapsible tubes and the ointment
also in black plastic jars. It should be stored in light-proof containers and contact with
metals other than stainless steel or aluminium should be avoided.
Store at a temperature below 25°C.
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
REGISTRATION NUMBERS:
Furacin Soluble Ointment : H/14.1/1013
Furacin Cream : H/14.1/1012
NAME AND BUSINESS ADDRESS OF THE APPLICANT:
SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals (Pty) Ltd.
6 Carey Street,
Wynberg Ext. 6,
2090 Johannesburg.
