is an antibiotic that fights bacteria in the body.
Nitrofurantoin is used to treat and prevent urinary tract infections. It works by interfering with various chemical processes in the bacteria, which results in the death of the bacteria.
Nitrofurantoin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information about nitrofurantoin
Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as: feeling short of breath (even with mild exertion), fever, chills, cough, chest pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes; pale skin, unusual weakness, numbness or tingling, or diarrhea that is watery or bloody.
Avoid using antacids without your doctor’s advice. Use only the specific type of antacid your doctor recommends. Antacids contain different medicines and some types can make it harder for your body to absorb nitrofurantoin.
Take nitrofurantoin for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Nitrofurantoin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu. Take nitrofurantoin with food or milk.
Before taking nitrofurantoin
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to nitrofurantoin, or have certain conditions. Be sure your doctor knows if you have:
- severe kidney disease;
- if you are urinating less than usual or not at all; or
- if you are in the last 2 to 4 weeks of pregnancy.
Before taking nitrofurantoin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
- kidney disease,
- anemia,
- diabetes,
- glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency; or
- any type of debilitating disease.
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication.
FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby, unless it is used during the last 2 to 4 weeks of pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Nitrofurantoin passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not take nitrofurantoin without telling your doctor if you are breast feeding a baby. Do not give nitrofurantoin to a child younger than 12 years old.
How should I take nitrofurantoin?
Take nitrofurantoin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Take each dose with a full glass of water. Take nitrofurantoin with food or milk. Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well before measuring a dose. To ensure that you get the correct dose, measure the suspension with a dose-measuring spoon or dropper, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.
You may mix your liquid dose with water, milk, or fruit juice to make it easier to swallow. Drink the entire mixture right away.
Take nitrofurantoin for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Nitrofurantoin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.
To be sure nitrofurantoin is not causing harmful effects, your kidney function may need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain urine glucose (sugar) tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using nitrofurantoin.
Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
Overdose symptoms may include nausea or vomiting.
Nitrofurantoin side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
- shortness of breath, running out of breath easily;
- fever, chills, cough, chest pain;
- jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
- pale skin, easy bruising, unusual weakness;
- numbness or tingling; or
- diarrhea that is watery or bloody.
Less serious side effects may include:
- rust-colored or brownish urine;
- headache;
- nausea, vomiting, upset stomach;
- bloating or gas, constipation;
- feeling dizzy or drowsy;
- blurred vision; or
- vaginal itching or discharge.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.
What other drugs will affect nitrofurantoin?
Before taking nitrofurantoin, tell your doctor if you are taking:
- magnesium salicylate (Doan’s Pills, Mobidin, Momentum);
- choline magnesium salicylate (Tricosal, Trilisate);
- probenecid (Benemid); or
- sulfinpyrazone (Anturane).
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with nitrofurantoin. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
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