Furan Derivatives and Their Role in Pharmaceuticals

Abstract

Furan is a five-membered heterocyclic compound containing one heteroatom (oxygen). Furan itself is not used in medicine, but its derivatives, particularly furfural (furan-2-carbaldehyde), are used as medicinal substances. Nitrofurans have similar chemical structure, physical and chemical properties, and pharmacological effects. They are active against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, some viruses, Trichomonas, and Giardia. In many cases, they inhibit the growth of microorganisms resistant to sulfonamides and antibiotics.

Two main groups of furan preparations are used in medicine: furan derivatives (such as amiodarone, furosemide, griseofulvin) and nitrofuran derivatives (such as nitrofural, furazolidone, nitrofurantoin, furagin, and furazidine). These preparations are used to treat various infections and fight microorganisms. For example, nitrofural, furadonin, and furazolidone are effective not only against bacteria but also protozoa and certain pathogens. These substances are used in treating skin wounds, burns, and intestinal infections.