During the period of gestation, the immunity of a woman, her body is weakened - this creates a favorable environment for the defeat of all kinds of diseases. But since it is worth taking this or that medication with caution during pregnancy, it is important to understand whether it is possible to drink Furadonin, what are the restrictions and indications.
General information about the drug
The instruction attached to Furadonin prescribes - this drug is classified as a group of medicines with pronounced antibacterial, bactericidal properties. At the same time, the remedy itself is not an antibiotic in the usual sense, it belongs to the group of nitrofurans.
Active substance - nitrofurantoin, release it in the format of tablets containing 100 or 50 mg of the active substance, enteric-coated. Mostly used to treat urinary tract and bladder infections. Moreover, with such a disease as cystitis, it is practically not prescribed due to its side effects. But in any case, its purpose, dosage and course of treatment should be determined by the doctor.
Should pregnant women take Furadonin?
The presented drug belongs to the group nitrofurans- compositions with a pronounced antimicrobial, suppressive effect on pathogenic microorganisms that affect the genitourinary system. To date, the range of antibacterial compounds is large, but doctors most often prescribe this particular drug. This appointment is due to the fact that if the pathogenic microflora is not sensitive to other antibiotics, this medicine effectively suppresses it.
It is enough to note that group B drugs are most often prescribed to expectant mothers and women during lactation - and during this period there are limitations and indications, rules and dosages for taking. This drug is prescribed exclusively by a doctor, after a microbiological study.- most often it is urine culture, which will allow you to determine the causative agent of the pathological process, the level of its sensitivity to the active components of the drug composition.
With regard to the method of application of the drug and dosages, Furadonin is taken orally with a sufficient amount of water. Dosage of the drug per day - 0.1 - 0.15 g 3-4 times a day, depending on the degree of the course of the disease. The maximum allowable daily dosage of the drug should not exceed 0.6 mg, while a single dose of the drug should not exceed 0.3 mg. The duration of the course of treatment is 7-10 days, subject to the course of an acute form of the infectious process, the doctor can increase the duration of the course to 2 weeks.
Furadonin during pregnancy in the early stages is not prescribed until 12 weeks - more precisely, the drug is strictly prohibited from prescribing in the period from 2 to 12 weeks. The thing is that during this period there is an active laying of internal organs and systems in the fetus. And therefore, even a slight influence of medicines can negatively affect the unborn child, the formation of tissues and organs, systems.
If we talk about prescribing and taking the drug in the later stages, the drug is prescribed from the 12th week of pregnancy and after agreeing on the dosage and duration of the course, based on the results of the laboratory tests obtained. At the same time, the doctor prescribes the drug in the event that the positive therapeutic effect will prevail over the possible negative consequences, compare the data with how critical the inflammation of the genitourinary system, the urinary tract in a woman and the functioning of the kidneys are.
Indications and contraindications
With regard to indications for taking Furadonin during pregnancy, doctors and manufacturers highlight the following points:
- As the main drug for the treatment of the infectious and inflammatory nature of the origin of the pathology affecting the urinary tract, suppression of pathogenic microflora sensitive to the active components of Furadonin - pyelitis and urethritis.
- For the prevention and prevention of recurrence of infectious pathologies during operations on the genitourinary system, as well as cystoscopy and catheter placement.
Most often, this drug is prescribed if the bacteria and pathogenic fungi that provoked inflammation are not amenable to effective treatment with less toxic medications.
With regard to existing contraindications, developers and doctors call the following points and restrictions:
- Pronounced malfunction of the liver and kidneys.
- When diagnosing congenital G6PD deficiency in a patient.
- With the course of severe forms of the cardiovascular system.
- Doctors also call individual intolerance and hypersensitivity to the medicinal composition and active components as a restriction to the appointment.
With regard to overdose - the latter shows itself as dizziness and nausea, bouts of vomiting and diarrhea. In the issue of overdose treatment, this is the abolition of the drug and the consumption of a large amount of fluid, a course of hemodialysis and symptomatic treatment. As for the antidote, there is none.
Possible side effects
On the issue of side effects from taking Furadonin during pregnancy, these can be:
- Respiratory system - side effects show themselves as coughing fits and pain in the sternum, shortness of breath and pulmonary edema, less often - worsening of the general condition of all who suffer from bronchial asthma.
- On the part of the gastrointestinal tract, loss of appetite and vomiting, bouts of nausea and diarrhea can show itself, less often the liver is affected, after which hepatitis develops.
- From the side of the central nervous system - attacks of dizziness and migraine, and general weakness also shows itself.
- Anemia develops and the total number of leukocytes decreases, bleeding may increase.
- It also shows itself and allergic skin rashes, urticaria and itching, with more serious intoxication of the body - anaphylactic edema of the larynx.
- Other negative consequences and side effects from taking the drug, doctors include fever, pain in the joints, when bones break like with a cold.
To avoid negative consequences - do not practice self-medication.
Furadonin is mostly used to treat infectious diseases of the urinary tract. A number of experts recommend Furadonin during the bearing of a child with short therapeutic courses, but the instructions note that this remedy is not recommended for use during pregnancy.
This drug is recommended for use when treatment with other antimicrobial agents has failed. If the pregnant woman was prescribed approved antibiotics, but they were not effective, then the doctor may advise the use of Furadonin.
Is Furadonin allowed during pregnancy?
This drug belongs to the category of nitrofurans. It is endowed with antimicrobial qualities that have a depressing effect on bacteria that provoke inflammation in the urinary tract. In modern medicine, there are more effective antibacterial drugs, but Furadonin continues to be used in some cases. Often this happens when the insensitivity of the microflora, which provoked manifestations of inflammation, to other means is detected. Bacteria, for the most part, get used to Furadonin very slowly. But due to the fact that this drug has the ability to penetrate the placenta and affect the fetus, its use during pregnancy is not recommended.
However, this drug is not included in the group of drugs with high toxicity and, according to the strength of its effect on the baby, it belongs to category B. This letter is used to mark drugs that, during their testing on animals, showed a threat to the fetus or the effect has not been fully studied.
A type B drug can be used when carrying crumbs, although the instructions note that during this period the use of this drug is undesirable, because there is still a risk of negative effects on the fetus. In practice, this medication is used, but only upon completion of the microbiological analysis of urine. Such diagnostics can detect the occurrence of infection and the sensitivity of microorganisms in relation to antibacterial drugs.
Indications for use
When carrying a child, inflammation of the urinary tract often appears in patients, because there is a decrease in immune defense, and also because of the proximity of the circulatory system of the urinary tract to the intestines, and therefore the causative agents of the disease are able, along with the blood, to penetrate from it into the urinary system. Among other things, the growing uterus begins to put pressure on the organs of the urinary system. As a result, expectant mothers often develop pyelonephritis and cystitis.
Furadonin is produced in the form of tablets of 50 or 100 mg. There are 10 tablets in a blister. The package contains two blisters.
Taking the drug at different stages of pregnancy
Furadonin is strictly forbidden to use in the first twelve weeks. More specifically, from the second to the twelfth week inclusive. Because it is during this period that the fetus is considered the most vulnerable and various drugs affect it due to the fact that the crumbs are forming the main tissues and organs.
The use of this drug after the twelfth week is allowed only on the recommendation of a specialist. The doctor needs to analyze the threat from the use of the remedy and compare it with the degree of criticality for the body in the development of inflammation of the urinary tract and kidneys.
Consequences
The use of Furadonin during the period of gestation can lead to such consequences as:
- The manifestation of cough, pain in the sternum, shortness of breath, swelling of the lung tissue. The manifestation of frequent attacks in a future mother with bronchial asthma is likely.
- There may be loss of appetite, vomiting with nausea, pain and discomfort in the upper abdomen, and diarrhea. In rare cases, toxic liver damage and hepatitis can develop.
- The manifestation of dizziness with headaches, neuritis, and plus a general lethargic state.
- The immune system is reduced, and as a result, the number of leukocytes decreases, bleeding increases due to a decrease in the number of platelets, and in addition - various types of anemia.
- Skin rashes, angioedema.
- Rash due to toxic reaction.
- An increase in temperature, accompanied by joint pain, as well as a manifestation of re-infection.
During the period of expectation of a child, an exacerbation of various infectious diseases is possible, including cystitis, pyelitis and pyelonephritis. To treat these pathologies, antibacterial agents called uroantiseptics are usually used. Among them, Furadonin is in high demand, but it is important to know that treatment with such a remedy for women in a position is permissible only as prescribed by a doctor.
Features of the drug
"Furadonin" is presented in the pharmacy network as flat, round, yellow or greenish-yellow tablets. They are packaged in blister packs of 10 and are sold in boxes of 10 to 50 tablets. A prescription is required to purchase Furadonin. The shelf life of the drug is 4 years. The active substance of the drug is called nitrofurantoin and is contained in 1 tablet at a dosage of 50 or 100 mg. Additionally, the drug includes potato starch, silicon dioxide and calcium stearate.
Operating principle
Furadonin has an antimicrobial effect, due to which the active substance of the tablets disrupts the vital activity of bacteria. The drug is able to block the formation of proteins in microbial cells and make their membranes more permeable, which causes their death. The drug has activity against Escherichia, Proteus, Staphylococcus, Shigella, Streptococcus and other pathogens.
Is it allowed when carrying a baby?
In the annotation to the medicine, it is noted that taking "Furadonin" during the period of bearing a child is contraindicated. The active substance of such tablets is able to overcome the placental barrier and can adversely affect the fetus, causing various health problems and malformations.
By the degree of side effects on the development of the child this drug is included in group "B". Medicines of this group do not have a sufficient number of clinical studies or have had a harmful effect on animals, so they try not to prescribe them to expectant mothers, especially in the first weeks of pregnancy. However, in some cases, they can be used if the doctor sees such a need and carefully weighed all the risks.
With regard to Furadonin, this is possible only after a bacterial examination of the urine, when the infectious nature of the disease is confirmed and the pathogen is sensitive to nitrofurantoin.
At the same time, in the 1st trimester, the drug is still not prescribed, because during this period the embryo is especially vulnerable to any external influence, so the medicine can harm.
If a woman only found out that she was pregnant, a doctor should be consulted about the possible risk of Furadonin for the child. In the 2nd and 3rd trimesters, the use of such tablets is allowed only as directed by a specialist.
When is it given to expectant mothers?
"Furadonin" is in demand for various infectious diseases of the excretory system. Such a medicine is prescribed for cystitis, pyelonephritis, urethritis, pyelocystitis, pyelitis, and is also used prophylactically if the patient is to undergo any urological manipulation.
Contraindications
In addition to pregnancy, there are many other restrictions for the use of Furadonin. These include kidney failure, decreased urine volume, chronic liver disease, hypersensitivity to tablet ingredients, severe heart disease, acute porphyria, and lack of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase.
In addition, this drug is contraindicated in women with glomerulonephritis, so it is important to carefully examine the kidneys before treatment.
Side effects
"Furadonin" can have a harmful side effect on the body, which is one of the main reasons to refuse such a drug while expecting a child. After its use, nausea, diarrhea, headaches, cough, drowsiness, shortness of breath, dermatitis, itchy rash, joint pain and many other symptoms may occur. Therefore, the appearance of any of these signs of the toxic effect of the drug should be a reason to immediately stop further taking the pills.
As for the possible harm of "Furadonin" for the fetus, in addition to the risk of developing malformations, if you take the drug in the first trimester, in the later stages, the most dangerous side effect for the baby is a decrease in the number of blood cells in the mother. The drug can provoke leukopenia, thrombocytopenia and even hemolytic anemia. As a result of such violations, the baby will receive less oxygen. In addition, bilirubin released from destroyed red blood cells is a harmful compound and can also adversely affect the child's condition.
How to use?
The treatment regimen "Furadonin" during pregnancy is prescribed by a doctor. Self-administration of tablets is unacceptable, as is a change in dosage or frequency of use. The drug is swallowed in a dose prescribed by a specialist and washed down with water in a significant volume (at least one glass).
The duration of the use of "Furadonin" is determined individually. To reduce the risks of harmful effects on the fetus, many doctors refer the woman to a second urine test after 3 days from the start of the medication. And if the examination shows a decrease in the inflammatory process, the drug is canceled and switched to less dangerous means.
With the onset of pregnancy, a woman is more than usual exposed to disease. It's all about hormonal changes and a decrease in immunity, which do not have the best effect on the body. Therefore, upon the onset of any disease, you need to “measure seven times” before taking medication. But what about the well-known drug Furadonin? Is it safe for woman and fetus? Let's try to break up.
Can Furadonin be used during pregnancy?
Furadonin is a drug belonging to the group of nitrofurans. It has an antimicrobial effect on bacteria that cause diseases of the urinary tract. Yes, today the range of antibacterial drugs to combat these diseases is large, but doctors prescribe this particular remedy. This is done when the microflora that caused the disease is not sensitive to other antibacterial drugs. Doctors also take into account the fact that infectious agents get used to Furadonin slowly.
The drug does not belong to the most toxic drugs used in medicine, but, nevertheless, it is contraindicated for pregnant women. The reason is the penetration of Furadonin through the placental barrier and a possible toxic effect on the unborn child. The drug in terms of effects on the fetus belongs to group B. This means that in experiments with Furadonin on animals, a risk for bearing a cub was found. Clinical studies have not confirmed these risks and dangers, the drug has not been sufficiently studied.
You should be aware that category B drugs are used for expectant mothers, but there is a risk of toxic effects on the unborn child. That is why the instruction to Furadonin states that it is contraindicated during pregnancy.
In practice, this medicine is still used for treatment. But such therapy is carried out only after a microbiological study, that is, a bacterial culture of urine, the purpose of which is to detect the causative agent of the infection, its sensitivity to an antibacterial drug.
In view of the foregoing, Furadonin is under no circumstances recommended for use in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. It is during this period that the baby is very vulnerable to the effects of any drugs, since the laying of the main organs and tissues continues.
In the first week of pregnancy, the fetus is not yet associated with the woman's body and develops autonomously. It gets everything it needs from . During this week, the egg moves through the fallopian tube to the uterus and on the 7-10th day is introduced into its wall. After that, the general circulation already develops. The fetus receives both nutrients and toxic substances from the mother. That is why the use of Furadonin after 12 weeks of pregnancy is possible only as prescribed by the doctor. He will evaluate the risk of its use and compare it with the risk of developing a urinary tract infection.
Indications and contraindications for the use of Furadonin
Pregnant women are very often prone to urinary tract infections. Therefore, they often develop,. Furadonin is used to treat these diseases in the case when infectious agents are insensitive to other drugs. Contraindications for taking this medication are disorders of the kidneys and liver, congenital deficiency of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, diseases of the cardiovascular system, sensitivity to Furadonin and its components.
Side effects from taking
This drug may cause side effects such as chest pain, shortness of breath, cough, lung tissue damage, loss of appetite, vomiting and nausea, diarrhea, liver toxicity, headache, lethargy, neuritis, decreased platelet count, anemia, itchy rash, urticaria, Quincke's edema, fever, joint pain, reminiscent of flu-like aches.
So, as you can see from the possible side effects, Furadonin does not need to be taken by women during pregnancy. Take care of yourself, and in case of illness, contact your doctor.
Especially for Elena TOLOCHIK
The fact that cystitis and pyelonephritis have become a frequent occurrence, and even an obligatory accompaniment of every fourth pregnancy, has ceased to amaze not only doctors, but also future mothers themselves. During courses for pregnant women and during medical consultations, they receive enough information about what causes infectious diseases during pregnancy.
The question is different: how to get rid of obsessive diseases without risks to the fetus. After all, what was allowed in the pre-pregnancy state, during gestation, as a rule, is prohibited. We are talking about effective drugs, the effect of which on the fetus can be reflected in the most negative way.
One of these is nitrofuran Furadonin, which has a wide range of effects on the bacterial flora, and is able to penetrate the placental barrier.
Furadonin toxicity: fact or fiction?
Doctors are afraid to prescribe the drug Furadonin to pregnant women, since it has the ability to have a toxic effect on the fetus. And, nevertheless, this medicine cannot be classified as too toxic.
Of course, Furadonin contains a certain level of toxins, but scientists have not yet been able to draw a final conclusion.
Thus, the drug belongs to group B in terms of the degree of impact on the fetus, which means: in experimental studies on pregnant animals, harm to the fetus was detected, but not detected or insufficiently studied in clinical use.
Each manufacturer of Furadonin in the annotation to the drug indicates the undesirability or prohibition of taking the drug during pregnancy, since the risk of toxic effects on the fetus is still present. Theoretically, the drug may not have an effect, but since the drug belongs to category B, it makes sense to warn patients about the potential danger.
In practice, Furadonin is prescribed to pregnant women, but not immediately after diagnosing a certain disease, but after careful research. A urine test (bakposev) at the stage of the study is mandatory for a pregnant woman to identify the causative agent of the infection and its sensitivity to the drug.
What is the secret of Furadonin's effectiveness?
Many of the experts emphasize that Furadonin, although not a representative of the latest generation of antibacterial drugs, remains traditionally effective and is used in cases where other drugs are powerless in the fight against infection of the genitourinary system.
Why are other effective drugs developed using the latest technologies inferior to Furadonin? There is such a term "insensitivity of microflora", which means the absence of a reaction of pathogenic microorganisms to the components of an antibacterial agent. For example, you bought a very strong medicine, and with its help you managed to suppress the infection in a matter of days. With a relapse, the same medicine will help much more slowly. And with repeated courses of treatment of the same type of infection, it will act very badly. It all depends on the addiction of pathogens to the drug (after all, they also know how to develop immunity).
In the case of Furadonin, the addiction of pathogenic bacteria to its components occurs very slowly, so the drug does not lose its effectiveness.
Composition and pharmacokinetics
The active substance of the drug - nitrofurantoin.
Additional components:
- calcium stearate;
- colloidal silicon dioxide;
- potato starch.
The drug has a high antimicrobial effect, but does not belong to the group of antibiotics, as many patients mistakenly believe. However, during pregnancy, it must be used with great caution.
The active substance, when it enters the gastrointestinal tract, is actively absorbed from it and binds to plasma proteins by 60%. Metabolic processes occur in the liver, as well as in muscle tissues, the drug is excreted by the kidneys, with 30-35% leaving the body unchanged.
The active substance crosses the placental barrier and passes into breast milk.
Indications
Indications for the use of Furadonin during pregnancy can be:
- pyelonephritis;
- cystitis;
- urethritis;
- pyelitis;
- infectious and inflammatory processes of the urinary tract, provoked by pathogenic bacteria sensitive to the drug.
Contraindications and side effects
In the instructions for the drug, pregnancy is indicated as a contraindication, but doctors consider it rather as a warning about the caution of using Furadonin: the drug can be prescribed, but not in the usual, but in a significantly reduced dosage.
The drug is not prescribed if the patient has impaired kidney or liver function, one of the cardiovascular diseases, acute enzymatic deficiency is diagnosed.
During the period of application of Furadonin, side effects are possible in the form of:
- cough, shortness of breath, toxic damage to lung tissues;
- loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting;
- headache, dizziness, lethargy;
- allergic skin rashes;
- increase in body temperature.
Furadonin by trimester
1 trimester
In the first weeks of the birth of a new life, the first and second remain absolutely safe for the embryo in terms of taking medications by the mother, including Furadonin, when the embryo is not yet associated with the mother's body and develops autonomously, receiving everything it needs from the fetal egg.
But from the third to the twelfth week, inclusive, the fetus becomes very vulnerable to the effects of the Furadonin components, so the use of the drug during this period is prohibited.
2 trimester
After 12 weeks of pregnancy, the drug is prescribed only after laboratory tests and a study of the patient's clinical picture. The appointment is carried out by the attending physician, weighing the benefits of the drug for the health of the mother.
3rd trimester
Appointment is carried out only when urgently needed if there is no alternative among other medicines.
