Nitrofurantoin

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.