Indications
- Nitrofurantoin is used to treat or prevent specific urinary tract infections.
- It’s an antibiotic that functions by halting the growth of bacteria.
- It’s ineffective against viral infections like the common cold or flu.
- Using Nitrofurantoin unnecessarily or excessively can reduce its effectiveness.
- It should not be administered to children under one month old due to the risk of a certain blood disorder (hemolytic anemia).
Dosage and administration
- Take this medication by mouth with food or milk as instructed by your doctor. It’s usually taken four times a day for treating an infection or once daily at bedtime to prevent infections. Swallow the medication whole. Avoid using antacids containing magnesium trisilicate while on this medication, as they can bind with nitrofurantoin, reducing its absorption.
- Dosage and duration are determined by your medical condition and response to treatment. For children, the dosage is also based on body weight.
- For optimal effectiveness, take this antibiotic at regular intervals. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) every day.
- If using this medication to prevent infection, follow your doctor’s instructions precisely. Do not skip doses or discontinue without your doctor’s approval. Notify your doctor if you experience signs of a new urinary tract infection, such as pain during urination.
- If using this medication to treat an infection, continue taking it until you’ve completed the full prescribed amount, even if symptoms improve after a few days. Stopping too early may result in the infection returning.
- Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
Side effects
- Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or headache may occur while taking this medication. Taking it with food can help reduce nausea. If these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
- This medication may cause your urine to turn dark yellow or brown, which is harmless and will vanish once the medication is stopped.
- Remember, this medication is prescribed because your doctor believes its benefits outweigh the risks of side effects. Many people using it do not experience serious side effects.
- Rarely, this medication may cause severe lung problems, which can occur within the first month of treatment or after prolonged use (usually 6 months or more). Seek medical help immediately if you develop symptoms such as a persistent cough, chest pain, difficulty breathing, joint or muscle pain, or bluish/purplish skin.
- Notify your doctor immediately if you experience severe or persistent headaches, signs of infection (e.g., persistent sore throat, fever), easy bruising or bleeding, mental/mood changes, or vision changes.
- Rarely, this drug may lead to serious liver disease, blood or nerve problems. Contact your doctor if you experience symptoms like persistent nausea or vomiting, unusual fatigue, dark urine, yellowing of eyes/skin, rapid or pounding heartbeat, numbness/tingling of arms/legs, or muscle weakness.
- In rare cases, this medication may cause a severe intestinal condition due to a bacteria called C. difficile. Contact your doctor if you develop persistent diarrhea, abdominal/stomach pain, or blood/mucus in your stool.
- Avoid using anti-diarrhea or opioid products if you have these symptoms, as they may worsen them.
- Prolonged or repeated use of this medication may lead to oral thrush or a new vaginal yeast infection. Inform your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, changes in vaginal discharge, or other new symptoms.
- While very rare, seek immediate medical assistance if you experience symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, such as rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
- This list does not cover all possible side effects. If you notice any other effects not mentioned here, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- Before taking nitrofurantoin, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or have any other allergies. This medication may contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or other issues. Consult your pharmacist for more information.
- Prior to using this medication, disclose your medical history to your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you have kidney disease, liver disease (including previous liver problems caused by nitrofurantoin), a certain genetic condition (G-6-PD deficiency), specific blood disorders (such as anemia), lung diseases, certain nerve problems (peripheral neuropathy), certain eye diseases (optic neuritis), diabetes, untreated mineral imbalance, or vitamin B deficiency.
- Nitrofurantoin may interfere with live bacterial vaccines (such as the typhoid vaccine), reducing their effectiveness. Inform your healthcare provider that you are using nitrofurantoin before receiving any immunizations/vaccinations.
- Older adults may be at increased risk for side effects while using this medication, particularly nerve, liver, or lung problems.
- During pregnancy, use this medication only if absolutely necessary. Avoid using it if you are near or at the time of delivery (weeks 38-42 of pregnancy) due to potential harm to the newborn, such as a certain blood disorder (hemolytic anemia). Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
- This medication passes into breast milk and may have adverse effects on nursing infants under one month old and infants with a certain genetic condition (G-6-PD deficiency). Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.