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Nitrofurantoin

Antibiotic

Uses of Nitrofurantoin

  • Nitrofurantoin is commonly used to prevent and treat bacterial infections, including urinary tract infections (UTIs) and bladder infections (cystitis). Additionally, it may also be prescribed for the treatment of kidney infections.

Side effects of Nitrofurantoin

  • Loss of appetite
  • Diarrhoea
  • Headaches
  • Vomiting 
  • Nausea

How Nitrofurantoin works

  • Nitrofurantoin disrupts the DNA replication process in bacteria. It inhibits certain enzymes that are crucial for bacterial growth and survival. Nitrofurantoin damages the bacterial cell wall, causing it to break down. This disruption ultimately leads to the destruction of the bacteria responsible for urinary tract infections.

Certified content

Written By

docImg
Amit SharmaMedical Content Writer| 4 years

B. Pharm

Reviewed By

Amatul Ameen
Amatul Ameen Medical Content Writer| 13 years

B. Pharm, MSc.

Expert Advice

Dosage Forms Available

  • Nitrofurantoin is available for use via the oral route (tablet, capsule, oral suspension and syrup).

Age and Dose Restrictions

  • This medicine is meant for adults and children above 12 years of age.

Contraindications

  • The medication is not recommended in patients with a known allergy to Nitrofurantoin and severe liver and kidney conditions.

Other Medications to Avoid

  • Nitrofurantoin may interact with certain vaccines, including Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG), live cholera vaccine, and live typhoid vaccine. It may also interact with medications used to treat multiple sclerosis (teriflunomide), rheumatoid arthritis (leflunomide), and certain types of tumors (pexidartinib). Additionally, it may have interactions with cholesterol-lowering medications such as lomitapide and mipomersen, as well as the topical anesthetic prilocaine.

Overdose and Missed Dose

  • An overdose of this medication may cause symptoms like breathing problems or wheezing, racing heart, fever or general ill feeling and swollen lymph nodes. If you observe these symptoms, inform your doctor and follow the advice accordingly.
  • If you forget to take this medicine, take it as soon as you remember. But avoid repeating the dose.

Management of Side Effects

  • Most side effects are temporary and generally harmless and resolve when discontinuing this medicine. However, if you experience any severe side effects or worsening of any of the symptoms, please consult your doctor.

Use in Driving and Operating Machinery

  • This medication will not impair your ability to drive and operate heavy machinery.

Use in Pregnancy and Lactation

  • Consult your doctor before taking this medicine in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Caution in Other Conditions

  • Inform your doctor if you have a history of colitis, a condition causing inflammation of the colon's inner lining, or G-6-PD deficiency, which can lead to hemolytic anemia. Additionally, disclose any liver disease (hepatotoxicity), kidney disease (renal dysfunction), peripheral neuropathy, which causes nerve-related weakness, numbness, and pain, or any respiratory disorders before starting treatment.

Special Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations

  • After completing the full course of Nitrofurantoin, taking probiotics can help restore healthy bacteria in the intestine that may have been affected by the antibiotic. This can also reduce the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Consuming fermented foods like yogurt, cheese, sauerkraut, and kimchi may further support gut health.
  • Including fiber-rich foods in your diet can promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Whole grains, such as whole-grain bread and brown rice, are excellent choices to aid in restoring gut balance after antibiotic treatment.
  • It is advisable to limit calcium-rich foods and drinks, as they may interfere with the effectiveness of Nitrofurantoin. Additionally, avoid consuming alcoholic beverages while taking this medication, as alcohol can lead to dehydration, disrupt sleep, and make it harder for the body to fight infections effectively.

Frequently asked questions

Nitrofurantoin usually starts working within a few hours, but symptoms of infection may take 2 to 3 days to improve. It is important to complete the full course of treatment as prescribed by the doctor.

Inform your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, anemia, diabetes, lung disease, or a history of allergic reactions to antibiotics. Avoid alcohol, stay hydrated, and take medication with food to reduce stomach upset.

No, you should complete the full course of Nitrofurantoin even if you feel better. Stopping the medication too early may allow the infection to return or contribute to antibiotic resistance.

Nitrofurantoin should be used with caution in patients with kidney or liver disease, as it may worsen these conditions. A doctor should evaluate the risks before prescribing it.

There is no strong evidence that Nitrofurantoin affects fertility in men or women. However, if you are planning to conceive, consult your doctor before taking the medication.

Terms & Conditions

List of Medicines for Nitrofurantoin

Niftas Tablet 14
Niftas Tablet 14
Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd
Pack of 14 Units
₹101.7
MRP ₹127.12
20% OFF
Urivron Tablet 10
Urivron Tablet 10
Leeford Healthcare
Pack of 10 UNITS
₹56.39
MRP ₹113
50.1% OFF
Niftran Capsule 10
Niftran Capsule 10
Sun Pharma Laboratories Ltd.
Pack of 10 Units
₹77.41
MRP ₹96.76
20% OFF
Niftran 100mg Cp Capsule 30
Niftran 100mg Cp Capsule 30
Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd
Pack of 30 Units
₹232.24
MRP ₹290.3
20% OFF
Nitrobact 100 Capsule 10
Nitrobact 100 Capsule 10
Mankind Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Pack of 10 Units
₹77.41
MRP ₹96.76
20% OFF
Martifur Tablet 14
Martifur Tablet 14
Walter Bushnell
Pack of 14 Units
₹76.49
MRP ₹89.22
14.27% OFF
Uribid Tablet 15
Uribid Tablet 15
Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd
Pack of 15 Units
₹108.87
MRP ₹136.09
20% OFF
Niftas Tablet 10
Niftas Tablet 10
Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd
Pack of 10 Units
₹90.7
MRP ₹113.37
20% OFF

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Telephone:09240250346

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