Key facts about Nitrofurantoin
What dosages is Nitrofurantoin available in?
Nitrofurantoin is available as a 100 mg oral capsule.
What is Nitrofurantoin used for?
Nitrofurantoin is a nitrofuran antibiotic that is used to treat urinary tract infections.
How does Nitrofurantoin work?
Nitrofurantoin is a nitrofuran antibiotic. The medication collects in your urine. It kills bacteria in the urinary tract by damaging or blocking proteins the bacteria need to survive.
How do I take Nitrofurantoin?
For people over 12 years old, the typical dose of Nitrofurantoin is 100 mg by mouth every 12 hours with food for 7 days.
Is it safe for me to take Nitrofurantoin?
Nitrofurantoin is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not use this medication if you have anuria, oliguria, or significant impairment of renal function, a previous history of cholestatic jaundice/hepatic dysfunction associated with Nitrofurantoin, or pregnant at term (38-42 weeks gestation).
Nitrofurantoin Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Nitrofurantoin:
- Nausea
- Headache
- Gas
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Upset stomach
- Stomach pain
Nitrofurantoin Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Nitrofurantoin. Serious Side Effects Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Severe allergic reaction: hives, rash, muscle aches, chills, fever, swelling of the lips or tongue, difficulty breathing
Severe diarrhea - Trouble breathing or new or worsening cough
- Liver problems: stomach bloating, severe stomach pain with vomiting, yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes, dark urine
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Nitrofurantoin
The following medications may interact with Nitrofurantoin:
- Antacids containing magnesium trisilicate, when administered concomitantly with Nitrofurantoin, reduce both the rate and extent of absorption
- Uricosuric drugs, such as probenecid and sulfinpyrazone, can inhibit renal tubular secretion of Nitrofurantoin. The resulting increase in Nitrofurantoin serum levels may increase toxicity, and the decreased urinary levels could lessen its efficacy as a urinary tract antibacterial
Who makes Nitrofurantoin?
Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers
Is Nitrofurantoin safe in pregnancy?
Nitrofurantoin is contraindicated in pregnant patients at term (38-42 weeks gestation), during labor and delivery, or when the onset of labor is imminent. It is contraindicated in neonates under one month of age.
