Toxicity of nitrofuran drugs

• Published in: Revista de ciências farmacêuticas básica e aplicada Vol. 29; no. 3; pp. 231 - 238
• Main Authors: Bosquesi, P L, Almeida, A E, Blau, L, Menegon, R F, Santos, J L, Chung, M C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Portuguese
• Published: 01.01.2008
• ISSN: 1808-4532

During the structural designing of new drugs, it is possible predict the influence of specific chemical groups on pharmacological activity. Among these, the nitro group has potential antiparasitic activity, being present in many antimicrobial drugs, such as metronidazole, nitrofurazonc, furazolidone, oxamniquine and chloramphenicol. Also, the introduction of the nitro group into a molecule can modify the physicochemical and electronic properties of the substance. Besides antimicrobial drugs, this group is also found in other drug classes, such as antiulcer, anti-inflamatory and anxiolytic. However, the use of the nitro group in drug design has encountered restrictions, due to the associated toxicity. This article is a review of the toxicity of nitrofuran compounds, as well the possible mechanisms involved and the strategy of latentiation by molecular modification to decrease their toxicity.