Furaltadone is a chemical compound from the group of nitrofurans, as it contains a 5-nitrofuran ring. Furaltadone is classified as a synthetic antibiotic. It was patented in 1957.
Properties.
Furaltadone has a chiral carbon atom and exists as a racemate. The ("S")-form is known as levofuraltadone.
Use.
Furaltadone was particularly used for the treatment of poultry. Residues of this active substance are classified as hazardous at any concentration due to their potential carcinogenic and mutagenic effects.
Furaltadone is used in human medicine as an antibiotic for urinary tract infections. It is also utilized as an antiprotozoal. It was first introduced in October 1958 by Kefauver, Paberzs, and McNamara under the active ingredient name "Furmethonol" as a potentially effective agent for the peroral treatment of systemic bacterial infections. It was introduced to the US market in 1959 under the trade name "Altafur" (Eaton Laboratories).
Regulation.
In the European Union, the use of furaltadone in food-producing animals has been banned since 1993. Consequently, no preparation based on this active substance is marketable.
Under The Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, California has required labeling for products containing furaltadone since April 1, 1988.