Nitrofurantoin

Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic commonly prescribed to treat infections in the lower urinary tract. It is effective against bacteria that cause infections, and it works by hindering and stopping vital processes in bacteria, leading to their death. The medication is filtered out of the body through the urine, making it an effective treatment for urinary tract infections. However, nitrofurantoin is not effective against viral infections and should only be used to treat bacterial infections as prescribed by a healthcare professional.

What are the uses of Nitrofurantoin?

This antibiotic treats lower urinary tract infections by killing the infection-causing bacteria and flushing out the crystals (formed in the kidney or the urinary tract) in the patient's urine. Its applications include:

• Cystitis Treatment: Nitrofurantoin is commonly prescribed for the treatment of cystitis, which is an inflammation of the bladder often caused by a bacterial infection. By eliminating the infecting bacteria and aiding in the clearance of urinary crystals, it helps alleviate the symptoms of cystitis, such as frequent and painful urination.
• Management of Bacterial Invasion in the Urinary Tract: Nitrofurantoin is an effective choice for addressing bacterial invasion in the urinary tract. This antibiotic works by targeting the specific bacteria responsible for the infection, eradicating them from the urinary system, and facilitating the removal of any crystals that may have formed, providing relief from urinary tract infections (UTIs).
• Treatment of Kidney Infections: Nitrofurantoin is also used in the treatment of kidney infections, also known as pyelonephritis. By eradicating the causative bacteria and aiding in the expulsion of crystals, it helps resolve the infection in the kidneys. Kidney infections can be severe, and nitrofurantoin plays a crucial role in managing and treating this condition.

How and when to take Nitrofurantoin?

Nitrofurantoin usually is a tablet and a suspension liquid that is to be taken orally. Generally, it is prescribed two to four times a day (depending on your condition) for at least three weeks. A schedule should be taken from the doctor to avoid confusion. Taking more or less than the dose prescribed is not advisable.

Taking the dose regularly and as prescribed will help you feel better in the first few days of the treatment with Nitrofurantoin. Though your condition may begin to improve, you should take the antibiotic until you finish the prescription. Stopping the dose in between or skipping doses can worsen the infection and make it more difficult to treat, giving the bacteria a chance to make itself resistant to antibiotics. 

What are the side effects of Nitrofurantoin?

This antibiotic may cause some side effects, as listed below:


• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Hair Loss
• Rash and hives
• Fever or chills
• Yellowing of the skin
• Darkening of urine
• Fatigue
• Paleness
• Severe diarrhoea
• Numbness

Nitrofurantoin may cause other side effects too. If you feel severe side effects, you should immediately call your doctor. 

What precautions should be taken?

While taking Nitrofurantoin, you may keep the following precautions in mind:

• Inform your doctor and pharmacist about any allergies you have, including Nitrofurantoin capsules, suspension liquid, or any of the ingredients in them.
• Ask your doctor or pharmacist for the list of ingredients if needed.
• Inform your doctor if you have ever had jaundice, kidney or liver disease while taking Nitrofurantoin. If so, your doctor may advise against taking any further doses of the medication.
• Consult your doctor if you have a history of anemia, nerve damage, diabetes, lung problems, electrolyte imbalance, or low vitamin B levels in your body.
• If you become pregnant while taking Nitrofurantoin, notify your doctor immediately. The medication can cause problems during delivery if used in the last month of pregnancy.

What if you miss a dose of Nitrofurantoin?

If you miss a dose of medication that's prescribed two to four times daily, you can skip it. However, if the next dose is not scheduled soon, take the missed dose. Do not take two doses to compensate for the missed one as it can be dangerous.

What if you have an overdose of Nitrofurantoin?

Taking an overdose of antibiotics may cause symptoms like nausea and vomiting. In some cases, it leads to severe pain in the upper stomach and abdominal region. The patient might faint due to excess pain. 

What are the storage conditions for Nitrofurantoin?

Store the antibiotic at room temperature, away from direct heat, sunlight, and moisture. Do not freeze. Keep it out of reach of children, as it is not suitable for them.

Caution with other medicines

The following medicines might interfere with the normal functioning of Nitrofurantoin.

• Indigestion medicines (Antacids), particularly the ones that contain Magnesium 
• Cystitis medicines
• Antibiotics such as Quinolones, nalidixic acid, ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin, norfloxacin, ofloxacin, moxifloxacin, etc.
• Typhoid vaccines given by mouth may not work correctly while taking Nitrofurantoin. The antibiotic does not affect the vaccines given by injections, though. 

How quickly does Nitrofurantoin show results?

Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic; hence, it takes longer than other drugs because it kills the disease-spreading germs. Usually, the patient should start to feel better within a few days. However, even though you start to feel better within a few days, you should complete the duration for which your course is set. 

Nitrofurantoin vs Ciprofloxacin

Nitrofurantoin works effectively against urinary tract infections, while ciprofloxacin is better for other tract infections. It is strictly advised to follow the given prescription. 

FAQs

1. What is a nitrofurantoin tablet used for?

Nitrofurantoin tablets are primarily used to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs), including cystitis (bladder infection) and pyelonephritis (kidney infection). It works by killing the bacteria causing the infection and is effective against the types of bacteria commonly found in the urinary tract.

2. When is the best time to take nitrofurantoin tablets?

Nitrofurantoin is usually taken with food to enhance its absorption and minimize the risk of stomach upset. The exact dosing schedule will be provided by your healthcare provider, but it is often taken two or four times a day, spaced evenly throughout the day. It's important to take nitrofurantoin at the same time each day.

3. What should I do if I forget to take a dose?

If you forget to take a dose of nitrofurantoin, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's close to the time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one, as this can increase the risk of side effects.

4. What are the side effects of Nitrofurantoin?

Nitrofurantoin, like any medication, can have side effects. Common side effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach discomfort. Some people may also experience headaches or dizziness. Rarely, nitrofurantoin can cause more severe side effects, such as lung problems or a condition called peripheral neuropathy, which can affect the nerves. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking nitrofurantoin, it's essential to contact your healthcare provider promptly.

References:

https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/Nitrofurantoin/about-Nitrofurantoin/#:~:text=Nitrofurantoin%20is%20an%20antibiotic.,blood%20and%20into%20your%20pee https://www.drugs.com/Nitrofurantoin.html
https://perks.optum.com/blog/so-you-have-a-urinary-tract-infection-say-hello-to-Nitrofurantoin

Disclaimer: The information provided here is not meant to substitute an advice from a healthcare professional. The information is not intended to cover all the possible uses, side-effects, precautions, and drug interactions. This information is not intended to suggest that using a specific drug is suitable, safe, or efficient for you or anyone else. The absence of any information or warning regarding the drug should not be interpreted as an implicit guarantee from the organisation. We strongly advise you to consult a doctor if you have any concerns about the drug and never use the medication without a doctor’s prescription.