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EspañolNitrofurantoin overview
BRAND NAMES:
Furadantin
Generic Names:
Nitrofurantoin
Uses:
Treats or prevents urinary tract infections.
Therapeutic Classes:
Antibiotic
Forms:
Tablet, Liquid
How it’s taken:
By mouth
What is Nitrofurantoin used for?
Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic used for the treatment of prophylaxis, urinary tract infections (UTIs) or pyelitis. It is also used for the treatment of infections associated with susceptible strains of Escherichia coli, Enterococcus, Staphylococcus, Citrobacter, Klebsiella and Enterobacter.
What form(s) does Nitrofurantoin come in
Tablet
Liquid
What are common Nitrofurantoin doses?
Bottle 230ML of 25MG/5ML
Bottle 240ML of 25MG/5ML
Common Nitrofurantoin prescriptions
Nitrofurantoin
230ml of 25mg/5ml bottleNitrofurantoin
240ml of 25mg/5ml bottleNitrofurantoin
60ml of 50mg/5ml bottle
How to take Nitrofurantoin
Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.
Oral routeIt is best to take this medicine with food or milk.
Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.
Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
Oral routeIt is best to take this medicine with food or milk.
What to do if you miss a dose of Nitrofurantoin
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Oral routeAsk your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Nitrofurantoin contraindications
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to nitrofurantoin or if you are in your last few weeks of pregnancy (week 38 or later). You should not use this medicine if you have severe kidney disease, a decreased amount of urine, or are unable to urinate. You should not use this medicine if you had liver problems after using it before. Do not give this medicine to infants younger than 1 month of age.
Nitrofurantoin warnings
Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, lung disease, anemia, diabetes, a mineral imbalance in the blood, vitamin B deficiency, or a blood condition called G6PD-deficiency.
This medicine may cause your urine to become brown-colored. This is normal and will not affect how the medicine works.
This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.
Use this medicine only to treat the infection you now have.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Severe and watery diarrhea that may contain blood.
Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.
Nitrofurantoin interactions
Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using probenecid (Benemid®) or sulfinpyrazone (Anturane®).
Use this medicine only to treat the infection you now have.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.
It is best not to use antacids containing magnesium trisilicate (such as Genaton®) while you are using nitrofurantoin.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Nitrofurantoin side effects
Serious Side Effects
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash.
Cough, fever, chills, weakness, shortness of breath, or chest pain.
Dark-colored urine or pale stools.
Severe and watery diarrhea that may contain blood.
Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet.
Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.
Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or pain in your upper stomach.
Less Serious Side Effects
Dizziness, headache, or blurred vision.
Mild nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or loss of appetite.
Vaginal itching or discharge.
Temporary hair loss.