Common Use

Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic prescribed to treat or prevent certain bladder infections. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.

This antibiotic is effective only against bacterial infections and will not work for viral infections like the common cold or flu. Unnecessary or excessive use of antibiotics can reduce their effectiveness.

Dosage and Direction

The dosage and duration of treatment depend on your medical condition and response to therapy. For children, the dosage is also based on body weight.

Take each dose with a full glass of water and consume nitrofurantoin with food. Ensure to take doses at regular intervals and do not exceed the recommended frequency. Do not stop taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

Precautions

Inform your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if new symptoms appear. Drink plenty of water daily. If you are on long-term treatment, schedule regular check-ups with your doctor.

If you have diabetes, note that certain urine tests may give a false positive for sugar. Consult your doctor for clarification.

Contraindications

Do not take nitrofurantoin if you are allergic to it, have severe kidney disease, urination problems, or a history of jaundice or liver issues caused by this medication. It is also contraindicated during the last 2 to 4 weeks of pregnancy.

Before starting nitrofurantoin, inform your doctor if you have kidney disease, anemia, diabetes, electrolyte imbalance, vitamin B deficiency, genetic enzyme deficiency, or any debilitating condition.

Possible Side Effects

Seek emergency medical help if you experience signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using nitrofurantoin and contact your doctor immediately if you experience serious side effects, including:

• Watery or bloody diarrhea
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Chest pain, wheezing, or dry cough
• Fever, chills, body aches, or unexplained weight loss
• Numbness, tingling, or pain in hands or feet (peripheral neuropathy)
• Nausea, stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice
• Pale skin, easy bruising, confusion, or weakness
• Patchy skin color, red spots, or severe blistering and peeling rash
• Severe headache, ringing in ears, dizziness, vision problems, or eye pain

Less serious side effects may include:

• Upset stomach or vomiting
• Mild diarrhea
• Rust-colored or brownish urine
• Vaginal itching or discharge

Drug Interaction

Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, especially:

• Magnesium salicylate (Nuprin Backache, Doan's Pills)
• Choline magnesium salicylate (Tricosal, Trilisate)
• Probenecid (Benemid) or other gout medications

This is not a complete list, and other drugs may interact with nitrofurantoin. Always inform your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products you use. Do not start a new medication without consulting your doctor.

Missed Dose

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

Overdose

If you suspect an overdose, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Do not share this medication with others. It is prescribed for your current condition only and should not be used for future infections without your doctor's approval.

Storage

Store nitrofurantoin at room temperature (68-77°F or 20-25°C), away from moisture and light. Do not store it in the bathroom. Keep all medications out of reach of children and pets.

Disclaimer

The information provided here is general and does not cover all directions, possible drug interactions, or precautions. It is not intended for self-treatment or self-diagnosis. Always consult your health care advisor or doctor for specific instructions tailored to your condition. We disclaim any reliability of this information or errors it may contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, or consequential damages resulting from the use of this information or self-treatment.