Uses of Nitrofurantoin

Nitrofurantoin is used to prevents and treat infections of the bladder, kidney and other parts of the urinary tract.

Therapeutic Category

Nitrofurantoin: Antibiotics

How Nitrofurantoin works

Nitrofurantoin effectively treats and prevents urinary tract infection by killing bacteria present in the urethra, bladder, and/or kidneys. It mainly acts through disrupting the production of genetic material present in the bacterial cell.

Common side effects of Nitrofurantoin

• nausea
• vomiting
• loss of appetite
• diarrhoea

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor if you experience:

• any sudden wheeziness, difficulty in breathing, swelling of the eyelids, face or lips, rash or itching that affects your whole body
• fever, chills, cough and shortness of breath (reaction of lung with the medicine within a week or very slowly, mainly in elderly patients)
• yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (inflammation of the liver causing jaundice)
• changes in the sense of feeling and using muscles along with headache, extreme mood changes, confusion, weakness, blurred vision (due to affected nerves outside the spinal cord), which may be severe and permanent in some cases
• severe headaches (raised pressure in the skull)
• severe reduction in blood cells which results in weakness, bruising or more instance of infections
• blue or purple coloration of the skin (cyanosis causing low oxygen levels in the blood)
• signs of cutaneous vasculitis (fever, flu, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, blood in your stool, skin lesions and weakness)
• signs of autoimmune hepatitis (jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain, joint pain and swelling)

Health Tips for Nitrofurantoin

• Nitrofurantoin is best taken with food to help improve absorption and reduce the risk of stomach upset. If your doctor recommends taking it without food, follow their advice
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help flush out bacteria from your urinary tract and promote the effectiveness of the medication
• While taking Nitrofurantoin, it's best to avoid alcohol consumption. Alcohol may interact with the medication and increase the risk of side effects
• Before starting Nitrofurantoin, inform your doctor about any other medications, supplements, or medical conditions you have. Some medications can interact with Nitrofurantoin, so it's essential to ensure its safety and effectiveness in your specific case
• Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy or breast feeding