Нифурзид

Description

Nifurzide is a 5-nitrofuran derivative, an intestinal antimicrobial drug. The molecule is built as a hydrazide of 5-nitrothiophene-2-carboxylic acid associated with a 5-nitro-2-furylacrylidene fragment, that is, it contains two nitro groups at once - furanic and thiophene. The action of nitrofurans begins with the reduction of the nitro group by bacterial nitroreductases; the resulting active intermediates damage the DNA and proteins of the microbial cell. For nifurzide, it has been shown that a very large number of molecules bind to the cell, and the substance is found in the cytoplasm, in the cytoplasmic membrane, and in the cell wall of Escherichia coli. At low concentrations, the growth rate of the culture drops and elongated, non-septate cells appear; at high concentrations, growth is completely suppressed with a pronounced bactericidal effect. Trade designation: Ricridene.

Basic Attributes

• CAS No: 39978-42-2
• Chemical Formula: C12H8N4O6S
• Molecular Weight: 336.28
• Exact weight: 336.28
• EU number: 254-728-0
• ATC code: A - digestive tract and metabolism
• PSA specifications: 175 Ų

Physico-chemical characteristics

• Density: 1.62 ± 0.1 g/cm³
• Melting point: 235.5 °C
• pKa: 10.31 ± 0.46

Scope of application

Active ingredient in intestinal preparations. The main focus is acute bacterial diarrhea and intestinal infections, which require an antimicrobial agent that works in the intestinal lumen. Classification in group A by ATC reflects precisely this profile: the drug is focused on the gastrointestinal tract, and not on systemic therapy.

Toxicity

• LD50 orally in mice: 3200 mg/kg (Sarvasi, Fontaine, 1972)

Storage and handling conditions

Keep in a tightly closed container, in a dry place, away from direct light: nitrofuran derivatives are photosensitive. Wear gloves and safety glasses when working with powder, and avoid dust when hanging. Hand over residues and flushes to a licensed waste operator and do not dispose of them down the drain.