nitrofurantoin (oral) Health Article

Generic name(s):

nitrofurantoin (oral)

Brand name(s):

nitrofurantoin, Furadantin, Macrobid, Macrodantin

What is the most important information I should know 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 this medication 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.

What is nitrofurantoin?

Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic that fights bacteria in the body.

Nitrofurantoin is used to treat urinary tract infections.

Nitrofurantoin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider 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 this medication, 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 this medication 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 this medication 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 this medication 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 this medication 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.