NITROFURANTOIN Meaning and
Definition
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Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic medication that is commonly used to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by certain bacteria. It belongs to the class of drugs known as nitrofuran derivatives, which work by inhibiting bacterial cell growth and killing the bacteria responsible for the infection.
Nitrofurantoin is typically prescribed for uncomplicated UTIs caused by Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, and Enterococcus species. It is not effective against infections caused by other types of bacteria. This medication is specifically designed to target the urinary tract, as it is metabolized and excreted in high concentrations through the kidneys.
It is worth noting that nitrofurantoin should not be used to treat pyelonephritis (kidney infection) or infections that have spread to the blood, as it may be less effective in these cases. Additionally, nitrofurantoin is not recommended for individuals with certain conditions such as renal impairment, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, or a history of pulmonary disease or liver dysfunction.
Common side effects of nitrofurantoin include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, headache, and dizziness. In rare cases, it may cause more serious adverse effects such as liver or lung problems. It is important to follow the prescribed dosage and duration of treatment to ensure the best possible outcome and to minimize the risk of antibiotic resistance.
Common Misspellings for NITROFURANTOIN
- bitrofurantoin
- mitrofurantoin
- jitrofurantoin
- hitrofurantoin
- nutrofurantoin
- njtrofurantoin
- nktrofurantoin
- notrofurantoin
- n9trofurantoin
- n8trofurantoin
- nirrofurantoin
- nifrofurantoin
- nigrofurantoin
- niyrofurantoin
- ni6rofurantoin
- ni5rofurantoin
- niteofurantoin
- nitdofurantoin
- nitfofurantoin
Etymology of NITROFURANTOIN
The word "nitrofurantoin" can be broken down into three components: "nitro-", "furan-", and "-toin".
1. "Nitro-" refers to the nitro group (-NO2), which is a chemical functional group composed of a nitrogen atom bonded to two oxygen atoms. It is derived from the Greek word "nitron", which means 'saltpetre' or 'sodium nitrate,' hence denoting the presence of nitrogen.
2. "Furan-" is derived from the molecule furan, which is a heterocyclic aromatic compound. It is derived from the German word "furan", meaning 'fury,' which is derived from a Latin word meaning 'fire' or 'rage.'
3. "-toin" is a suffix used in medicine and pharmacology to denote a specific type of drug classified as a "hydantoin".
