Medicine Information

Furex

Name: Furex
Brand: Furex

Tablet250 mgAntibacterialATC: J01MA18

Generic Name

Furofloxacin

Manufacturer

Apex Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Country

Bangladesh

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Price Details

Current market pricing information

Variant	Unit Price	Strip Price
furex 250 mg tablet	৳ 25.10	৳ 175.70

Description

Overview of the medicine

Furex 250 mg Tablet contains Furofloxacin, a synthetic broad-spectrum fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections.

Uses & Indications

Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis (ABECB)

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP)

Skin and skin structure infections

Prostatitis

Dosage

Adults

250 mg orally once daily for 7-14 days, depending on the infection type and severity. For severe infections, dosage may be increased to 500 mg once daily.

Elderly

No specific dose adjustment is required for elderly patients with normal renal function. Monitor renal function.

Renal_impairment

Dose adjustment required. For CrCl 30-50 mL/min, 250 mg every 24 hours. For CrCl <30 mL/min, 250 mg every 48 hours.

How to Take

Take the tablet whole with water, with or without food. Do not crush or chew. It is important to complete the full course of treatment as prescribed by the doctor, even if symptoms improve.

Mechanism of Action

Furofloxacin exerts its bactericidal action by inhibiting bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, essential enzymes involved in bacterial DNA replication, transcription, repair, and recombination. This leads to disruption of bacterial DNA and cell death.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

Clinical improvement typically observed within 24-48 hours of initiation.

Excretion

Mainly excreted by the kidneys through both glomerular filtration and tubular secretion, with a small portion excreted in feces.

Half life

Approximately 4-6 hours.

Absorption

Rapidly and well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract following oral administration. Peak plasma concentrations are achieved within 1-2 hours.

Metabolism

Minimally metabolized in the liver; primarily excreted as unchanged drug.

Side Effects

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to Furofloxacin, other fluoroquinolones, or any component of the formulation
History of tendinitis or tendon rupture associated with fluoroquinolone use
Children and adolescents below 18 years of age (due to potential for cartilage damage)

Drug Interactions

Warfarin

May enhance the anticoagulant effect of warfarin, requiring INR monitoring.

Theophylline

May increase theophylline levels and risk of toxicity.

Corticosteroids

Increased risk of tendinopathy and tendon rupture.

Antacids, iron, zinc, sucralfate

May reduce absorption of Furofloxacin. Administer Furofloxacin 2 hours before or 6 hours after these agents.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Overdose

In case of overdose, gastric lavage may be considered. Symptomatic and supportive treatment should be initiated. Adequate hydration should be maintained. Monitor ECG for QT prolongation.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy Category C. Should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Furofloxacin is excreted in breast milk; therefore, caution should be exercised when administered to a nursing mother. Consult a doctor.

Side Effects

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to Furofloxacin, other fluoroquinolones, or any component of the formulation
History of tendinitis or tendon rupture associated with fluoroquinolone use
Children and adolescents below 18 years of age (due to potential for cartilage damage)

Drug Interactions

Warfarin

May enhance the anticoagulant effect of warfarin, requiring INR monitoring.

Theophylline

May increase theophylline levels and risk of toxicity.

Corticosteroids

Increased risk of tendinopathy and tendon rupture.

Antacids, iron, zinc, sucralfate

May reduce absorption of Furofloxacin. Administer Furofloxacin 2 hours before or 6 hours after these agents.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Overdose

In case of overdose, gastric lavage may be considered. Symptomatic and supportive treatment should be initiated. Adequate hydration should be maintained. Monitor ECG for QT prolongation.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this medicine

Pack Sizes

10 tablets per box30 tablets per box

Shelf Life

36 months from the date of manufacture

Availability

Available in pharmacies and hospitals nationwide

Approval Status

Approved by national regulatory authorities

Patent Status

Patented

Clinical Trials

Extensive Phase III clinical trials demonstrated Furofloxacin's efficacy and safety in treating various bacterial infections, leading to its approval.

Lab Monitoring

Renal function tests (creatinine, BUN)
Liver function tests (ALT, AST)
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
INR for patients on warfarin

Doctor Notes

Consider bacterial susceptibility testing before initiating treatment, especially for recurrent or complicated infections.
Educate patients about the black box warnings associated with fluoroquinolones, particularly concerning tendinopathy and CNS effects.
Monitor renal function, especially in elderly and renally impaired patients, and adjust dosage accordingly.

Patient Guidelines

Take the medicine exactly as prescribed, completing the entire course.
Avoid direct sun exposure and use protective measures (sunscreen, clothing) as it may increase photosensitivity.
Stay well-hydrated throughout the treatment.
Report any new or worsening muscle pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness immediately to your doctor.

Missed Dose Advice

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.