Nitrofurantoin: Uses, Dosage, and Side Effects

Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic used mainly to treat urinary tract infections caused by several bacteria, including:

• E. coli
• Enterobacter
• Enterococcus
• Klebsiella
• Staphylococcus aureus

It helps eliminate harmful bacteria from the urinary tract, relieving symptoms like painful urination and frequent urge to urinate.

What Are the Uses of Nitrofurantoin?

Nitrofurantoin is commonly prescribed to treat or avoid infections of the urinary tract. This drug is an antibiotic that works by preventing bacteria from growing.

Conditions Nitrofurantoin Treats

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Bladder infections (cystitis)

If you frequently experience urinary tract or bladder infections, our Urology Specialists can help identify underlying causes and recommend the right treatment plan.

Secondary Uses of Nitrofurantoin

• Prevents recurrent UTIs in patients with frequent infections
• Sometimes used in post-surgical urinary care if prescribed

It is ineffective against viral infections (e.g., common cold, flu). Antibiotics may lose their efficacy if they are used excessively.

It should not be administered to children under the age of one month because it can cause a blood disorder (hemolytic anaemia).

How Does Nitrofurantoin Work (Mechanism of Action)?

Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic helps fight bacterial infections in the urinary tract.

Nitrofurantoin works by damaging the bacterial DNA, proteins, and cell walls, making it impossible for the bacteria to survive or multiply. For expert diagnosis and management of bacterial urinary infections, consult our Urology Department for comprehensive care.

Dosage of Nitrofurantoin

Taking the medicine correctly is essential for full recovery and to avoid resistance or side effects.

Forms and Strengths

Generic: Nitrofurantoin

• Form: oral capsule (generic for Macrobid)
• Strength: 100 mg (75 mg nitrofurantoin monohydrate and 25 mg nitrofurantoin macro crystals)
• Form: oral capsule (generic for Macrodantin)
• Strengths: 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg

Brand: Macrobid

• Form: Oral capsule
• Strength: 100 mg capsule (contains 75 mg nitrofurantoin monohydrate and 25 mg nitrofurantoin macrocrystals)

Brand: Macrodantin

• Form: oral capsule
• Strengths: 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg

Adult dosage (ages 18-64 years): Macrodantin and its generic form: 50-100 mg four times per day.

How to Use Nitrofurantoin

• Nitrofurantoin comes in capsules and liquids that can be taken by mouth. It is typically taken two to four times a day for at least 7 days, with a full glass of water and meals.
• Take it at the same time every day. Follow your prescription instructions closely. Shake the liquid well before each use and measure each dose with a dose-measuring spoon or cup.
• You should start to feel better within the first few days of therapy. Contact your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or worsen.

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dosage of Nitrofurantoin?

As soon as you remember, take your dose. Take just one dose if you recall, just a few hours before the next scheduled dose.

Never try to make up for missed doses by taking two at once. This could have dangerous consequences.

What Happens If I Overdose on Nitrofurantoin?

It's possible that you have dangerously high levels of the opioid in your system. An overdose of this medication can cause the following symptoms:

• Sleepiness
• Vomiting
• Tremor.

If you think you have taken too much of this drug, then consult with your doctor immediately.

What Are the Side Effects of Nitrofurantoin?

Like all medicines, Nitrofurantoin can cause side effects, though not everyone gets them.

Common side effects of Nitrofurantoin

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Stomach pain
• Diarrhea
• Numbness in the hand
• Pain in the hands
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Drowsiness

Serious side effects of Nitrofurantoin

• Lung inflammation
• Shortness in breath
• Fever
• Chills
• Chest pain
• Liver problems
• Dark urine
• Loss of appetite

Suppose you are facing any of the above serious side effects. Talk with your doctor if you are having any serious problems.

Precautions for Nitrofurantoin

Before taking Nitrofurantoin, inform your doctor if you are allergic to it or any other medications. Discuss your medical history, including:

• Blood disorders
• Kidney and liver disease
• Lung diseases
• Nerve problems
• Eye diseases
• Diabetes
• Vitamin B deficiency

Nitrofurantoin can impair the effectiveness of live bacterial vaccines, such as the typhoid vaccine.

Consult your doctor before receiving any immunizations while taking this drug. Older adults may be more prone to side effects, especially nerve and liver problems, due to decreased kidney function with age. Patients with kidney or urinary complications should get evaluated by professionals at Medicover Hospitals to ensure safe antibiotic use.

Warnings for some serious health conditions

Pregnancy

If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor. Animal experiments don't always predict how people will respond. In an infant, nitrofurantoin can cause red blood cell problems. As a result, pregnant women should avoid taking this medication:

• When they are fully grown (38-42 weeks pregnant)
• During labour and childbirth
• If they assume they are in labour

Breastfeeding

Nitrofurantoin can pass through breast milk and cause side effects in breastfed children. Consult your doctor about the possibility of breastfeeding your boy. It's likely that you'll have to choose between stopping breastfeeding and stop taking this drug.

Possible Interactions With Other Medications

Drug interactions can affect how Nitrofurantoin works or increase side effects.

May Interact With:

• Antacids containing magnesium trisilicate (may reduce effectiveness)
• Other antibiotics or antifungal medications
• Vitamin or herbal supplements (check with your doctor)

Always inform your doctor of any ongoing medications before starting Nitrofurantoin.

How Should Nitrofurantoin Be Stored?

Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. Exposure to medicine may cause some harmful effects.

The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children's reach.

Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).

Nitrofurantoin vs Doxycycline

References