Nitrofurazone (Topical)

Nitrofurazone is used to treat burns that are infected. It is also used for skin infections from skin grafts. It works by killing bacteria or stopping them from growing.

Nitrofurazone can 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, contact your health care professional.

In deciding to use a medicine, you and your doctor need to consider the risks of the medicine compared to the benefits it may provide. Here are important points to think about for this medicine:

Allergies

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

Pediatric

Studies on this medicine have only been conducted with adult patients, so there is no specific information about how nitrofurazone works in children compared to other age groups.

Geriatric

Many medicines have not been specifically tested in older adults. Therefore, it is not clear if they work the same way in older people as they do in younger adults, or if they cause different side effects or issues. There is no specific information about the use of nitrofurazone in the elderly compared to other age groups.

Interactions with Medicines

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

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Some medicines should not be taken near mealtimes or with certain foods due to possible interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also lead to interactions. Discuss with your healthcare professional about using your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Having other medical issues may impact how you use this medicine. Be sure to tell your doctor about any other medical problems you have, especially:

• Kidney disease—Certain 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 properly in patients with impaired kidney function, which could increase the risk of side effects. Nitrofurazone cream does not contain polyethylene glycol.

Along with its needed effects, this medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Not all of these side effects may happen, but if they do, they may require medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

• Itching
• Rash
• Swelling

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

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may 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.