Evaluation of the Efficacy, Safety and Adherence to Treatment with the Use of Suspension and Tablet Form of Furazidin in Preschool Children with Urinary Tract Infection

Introduction. Lower urinary tract infections are a leading cause of morbidity in preschool-aged children. Standard solid dosage forms of furazidin (tablets, capsules) often reduce treatment adherence in children aged 3–7 years due to swallowing difficulties and a bitter taste.

Aim: of the work is a comparative assessment of the efficacy, safety and adherence to therapy when using the developed extemporaneous suspension of furazidin (50 mg/5 ml) in comparison with the tablet form in children with cystitis.

Materials and methods. A prospective, open, comparative study was conducted involving 60 children (3–7 years) with lower urinary tract infections who received outpatient treatment. Two groups were formed: the study group (n=30) received furazidin suspension; the comparison group (n=30) received furazidin tablets at a dose of 5 mg/kg/day for 7–10 days. The study assessed efficacy, the incidence of adverse reactions, and adherence to treatment.

Results. By day 3, dysuria relief was achieved in 90% of children in the treatment group versus 73.3% in the comparison group (p <0.05). Clinical recovery and pathogen eradication were 96.7% and 93.3%, respectively (p >0.05). Adherence to treatment (>80% of doses) in the suspension group was 100% versus 83.3% in the tablet group (p <0.01); parental willingness to use the formulation in the future was 96.7% versus 60% (p <0.01). Ease of use of the suspension was rated at 9.6±0.6 points. The overall incidence of adverse reactions (primarily nausea) was significantly lower in the suspension group―10% versus 40% (p <0.01). There were no discontinuations due to adverse reactions.

Conclusion. Furazidin suspension is an effective, safer, and more compliant dosage form for the treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infections in children aged 3–7 years compared to tablets. It provides precise dosing, is easy to administer, and is less likely to cause dyspeptic symptoms. It can be recommended for wider use in pediatric practice.

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