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Nitrofurantoin

Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic of the nitrofuran group, taken by mouth for bacterial infections of the lower urinary tract, including cystitis. It kills susceptible bacteria rather than only slowing their growth. Its action is directed at the bladder and urine, where the infection sits.

Medicine containing Nitrofurantoin

Nitrofurantoin

Cystitis, Urinary Tract Infection

50 · 100mg

Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic for cystitis and urinary tract infection. Tablets come in several strengths and pack sizes. Each option lists its price per tablet.

FromUS$0.49/ tabletView

Key points

  • Nitrofurantoin is bactericidal and works by damaging bacterial DNA.
  • It comes as a tablet in 50 mg and 100 mg strengths.
  • Taking it with food improves tolerance, and it may change the colour of urine.

What nitrofurantoin is used for

It treats cystitis and other urinary tract infections caused by bacteria that are sensitive to it, and it is effective against most gram-positive and gram-negative organisms behind these infections. It is an oral medicine only. Nitrofurantoin is not used for kidney infection (pyelonephritis), since it does not reach useful levels in the upper urinary tract. It belongs to the wider family of antibiotics used against bacterial illness.

How it works

Once inside bacteria, nitrofurantoin damages their DNA, which stops them from growing and multiplying. After a tablet is swallowed it is absorbed and passed quickly into urine, so its activity is concentrated at the site of a bladder infection. Action begins within 2 to 4 hours, and a dose covers roughly 6 to 12 hours.

Forms and strengths

Nitrofurantoin is supplied as a tablet in 50 mg and 100 mg strengths. Orders are prepared by pharmacy partners in India and shipped to Malaysia in discreet packaging.

Safety

Nitrofurantoin is not started in people with significant kidney impairment, such as a creatinine clearance below 60 mL/min or very low urine output, because the medicine is cleared through the kidneys. It is also avoided in people with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency and in anyone with a history of cholestatic jaundice or liver damage linked to this medicine. Nausea, headache and flatulence are common mild complaints; diarrhoea and dizziness can also occur. Pulmonary fibrosis and hepatitis are serious reactions that need immediate medical attention. Antacids and probenecid interfere with how the medicine works. In pregnancy it is used with caution, and breastfeeding suitability should be confirmed with a clinician or pharmacist beforehand. Paediatric dosing needs a doctor’s advice.

What the sources say

  • Several major guidelines have named nitrofurantoin as first-line therapy for uncomplicated lower urinary tract infection. (NCBI)
  • It builds up in the lower urinary tract while serum levels stay low, and it does not significantly disturb bowel flora. (NCBI)
  • It is contraindicated in women at term (38 to 42 weeks of pregnancy), during labour and delivery, or when labour is imminent, and in newborns younger than one month. (NCBI)

Further reading

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