Nitrofurantoin – what it is, how to take it and side effects!

Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic that fights bacteria in the body this medication is used to treat urinary tract infections and may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide .

In addition, this drug is an antibiotic, of the Nitrofuran class, used for the treatment of cystitis and bacterial urethritis, it works by damaging the DNA and ribosomes of sensitive bacteria. Resistant bacteria are rare and very cheap.

What is nitrofurantoin used for?

Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic used to treat urinary tract infections caused by various types of bacteria. In addition, it is effective against E. Coli, Enterobacter cystitis, Enterococcus, Klebsiella and Staphylococcus aureus.

What precautions are taken before taking nitrofurantoin?

You should not take nitrofurantoin if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• severe kidney disease ;
• History of jaundice or liver problems caused by ingestion;
• If you are urinating less than normal or not at all;
• If you are in the last 2 to 4 weeks of pregnancy ;
• Do not take nitrofurantoin if you are in the last 2 to 4 weeks of pregnancy .

To make sure nitrofurantoin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• Kidney disease;
• Anemia;
• Diabetes;
• Electrolyte imbalance or vitamin B deficiency;
• Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency;
• Any kind of debilitating illness;

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby during early pregnancy . Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Nitrofurantoin can pass into breast milk and harm a nursing baby. In addition, you should not breast-feed while taking this medicine and it should also not be given to children under 1 month of age.

How should I take nitrofurantoin?

Usual adult dose for cystitis:

• Regular release: 50 to 100 mg orally 4 times daily for 1 week or for at least 3 days after urine sterility;
• Dual release: 100 mg orally twice daily for 7 days;

Adult dose from cystitis:

• Regular release: 50 to 100 mg orally once daily at bedtime;

Usual pediatric dose for cystite:

Regular:

• 1 month or longer: 5 to 7 mg/kg/day (up to 400 mg/day) orally in 4 divided doses;

Pair:

• Over 12 years: 100 mg orally twice a day for 7 days;

Dose profilaxia from cystitis:

Regular:

• 1 month or longer: 1 to 2 mg/kg/day (up to 100 mg/day) orally in 1 to 2 divided doses

What other drugs will affect nitrofurantoin?

Other drugs can interact with  nitrofurantoin , including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal products. Also, tell each of your healthcare professionals about all the medications you use now and any medications you start or stop using.

Follow all instructions on your prescription label. Do not take this medication in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Take nitrofurantoin with food.

What happens if I miss a dose of nitrofurantoin?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Also, skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.

What should I avoid while taking nitrofurantoin?

Antibiotics can cause diarrhea , which could be a sign of a new infection. If you have watery or bloody diarrhea , call your doctor. Also, don’t use any medicine to stop diarrhea unless your doctor tells you to.

Avoid using antacids without your doctor’s advice. Only use the type of antacid recommended by your doctor. Some antacids can make it difficult for the body to absorb nitrofurantoin .

Important information about nitrofurantoin:

You should not take  nitrofurantoin  if you have  severe kidney disease , urinary problems, or a history of jaundice or liver problems caused by this medication. Therefore, do not take this medication if you are in the last 2 to 4 weeks of pregnancy .

What are the side effects of nitrofurantoin?

Also, get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to nitrofurantoin : hives; breathing difficulty; swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat.

• Headache, dizziness;
• Gas, stomachache ;
•  mild diarrhea ;
• Itching or vaginal discharge;

Call your doctor right away if you have :

• Diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
• Sudden chest pain or discomfort, wheezing, dry cough or hack;
• New or worsening cough, difficulty breathing;
• Fever , chills, body aches, tiredness, unexplained weight loss;
• Numbness, tingling or pain in the hands or feet;
• Liver problems nausea , stomach pain, itching, feeling tired, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• Lupus-like syndrome joint pain or swelling with fever , swollen glands, muscle aches, chest pain, vomiting, unusual thoughts or behavior, and skin patches .

Serious side effects may be more likely in older adults and those who are sick or debilitated.

Other information:

Remember, keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children, never share your medications with others, and use nitrofurantoin only for the indication prescribed. Also, always consult your physician to ensure that the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.