Nifuroksazyd Polfarmex (Nifuroxazide)

Nifuroksazyd Polfarmex is a nitrofuran antibacterial used to manage infections of the gastrointestinal tract.

• Acute infectious diarrhoea: reduces the duration and severity of diarrhoeal episodes caused by susceptible bacteria.
• Intestinal bacterial infections: eradicates pathogenic bacteria colonising the gut, helping restore normal flora.
• Bacterial enteritis: alleviates symptoms and limits bacterial proliferation in the intestines.

• Nifuroxazide remains largely unabsorbed after oral administration, allowing it to act directly in the intestinal lumen. It is reduced by bacterial enzymes to reactive nitro‑derived metabolites that bind DNA, causing strand breaks and inhibiting protein synthesis, which leads to bacterial cell death without significant systemic exposure.

Nifuroksazyd Polfarmex may cause adverse reactions, most of which are mild and reversible.

Common Side Effects

• Nausea: mild stomach upset reported by some patients.
• Abdominal cramps: transient discomfort during treatment.
• Flatulence: increased intestinal gas.
• Taste alteration: temporary change in taste perception.
• Skin rash: mild erythema or itching.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Severe allergic reaction: anaphylaxis or angioedema requiring immediate medical attention.
• Hepatotoxicity: signs of liver injury such as jaundice or elevated enzymes.
• Hematologic abnormalities: rare cases of neutropenia or thrombocytopenia.
• Clostridioides difficile infection: overgrowth due to alteration of gut flora.
• Persistent diarrhoea: worsening of symptoms despite therapy.

Before prescribing Nifuroksazyd Polfarmex, consider the following safety measures.

• Pregnancy: avoid use unless clearly needed; safety data are limited.
• Breastfeeding: discontinue if infant shows signs of gastrointestinal disturbance.
• Renal impairment: monitor for accumulation of metabolites in severe dysfunction.
• Known hypersensitivity: do not administer to patients with previous nitrofuran allergy.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep below 25 °C, in the original container, protected from moisture and direct sunlight.

Nifuroksazyd Polfarmex can interact with other medicines; awareness of the interaction level helps guide therapy.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): may increase bleeding risk.
• Other nitrofuran agents: additive toxicity.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Oral contraceptives: possible reduction in efficacy.
• Probiotics: may alter gut flora and affect drug activity.
• Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium: could affect drug dissolution.