Furacin (Topical)

Nitrofurazone is used to treat burns that have become infected. It is also used to treat skin infections from skin grafts. It works by killing bacteria or stopping their growth.

Nitrofurazone may be applied directly to the skin or put on a gauze pad that will cover the skin.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

If your burn or skin infection does not get better, or if it gets worse, talk to your health care professional.

In deciding to use a medicine, you and your doctor will need to consider the risks of taking it compared to the benefits it may provide. For this medicine, keep the following in mind:

Allergies

Inform your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reactions to this medicine or any other medications. Also, let your healthcare professional know about any other allergies you may have, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Research on this medicine has only been conducted in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing the use of nitrofurazone in children to its use in other age groups.

Geriatric

Many medicines have not been specifically studied in older adults. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or issues in older people. There is no specific information comparing the use of nitrofurazone in the elderly to its use in other age groups.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should never be used together, while in other cases, two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction could happen. In these situations, your doctor may want to adjust the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used around the time of eating food or specific types of food, as interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also lead to interactions. Discuss with your healthcare professional how to use your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Other medical conditions may affect how you can use this medicine. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, especially:

• Kidney disease—Some ingredients (polyethylene glycols) in the topical solution and the soluble dressing may be absorbed through the skin and may not be removed from the body normally in patients with kidney function impairment, which could increase the chance of side effects. Nitrofurazone cream does not contain polyethylene glycol.

Along with its necessary effects, a medicine can cause some unwanted effects. Not all side effects may happen, but if they do, they might need medical attention.

Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you experience any of the following side effects:

Less common

• Itching
• rash
• swelling

Other side effects not mentioned may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, consult your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In the U.S.

• Furacin

Apply sufficient medication to affected area or place medication on gauze and cover the affected area.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For cream dosage form: Burns or skin infections: Adults—Apply directly to the lesion, or place on gauze that will cover the lesion, once daily or every few days, depending on the usual dressing technique of the affected area. Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
• For soluble dressing dosage form: Burns or skin infections: Adults—Apply directly to the lesion or place on gauze that will cover the lesion, depending on the usual dressing technique of the affected area. Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
• For topical solution dosage form: Burns: Adults—Apply directly to the burn. Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Keep away from alkaline materials, such as soap and ammonia.