Nitrofurantoin

Pronunciation

Brand Names

Canadian/Mexican Brand Names

Therapeutic Categories

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used for the treatment of urinary tract infections. It can also be used to prevent urinary tract infection in patients who get 3 or more per year.

How does it work?

• Nitrofurantoin interferes with the bacteria's ability to live.

How is it best taken?

• To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
• Take with food to decrease stomach upset.
• Do not take antacids within 6 hours of using this medicine.
• A liquid (suspension) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given. Shake well first.
• For children, liquid (suspension) may be mixed with water, milk, fruit juice, or infant formula.
• Use entire prescription as directed, even if feeling better.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor).
• Do not use if you have kidney disease. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Be careful if you have G-6-PD deficiency. Anemia may occur. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

• Headache. Mild pain medicine may help.
• Nausea. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
• Changes color of urine to a dark black, brown or yellow.

What should I monitor?

• If you are diabetic, this medicine may interfere with Clinitest®. Use another method of urine glucose testing like Clinistix® or Tes-Tape®.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Numbness and tingling, weakness, pins and needles feeling in legs, feet, hands or arms.
• Sudden, severe shortness of breath, fever, chills, chest pain and/or cough.
• Severe nausea.
• Any rash.
• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store in a tight, light-resistant container at room temperature.
• Do not freeze liquid (suspension).

General statements

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant)
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).

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