What is Nitrofurantoin?
Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic used to treat urinary tract infections caused by several bacteria, including:
- E. coli
- Enterobacter
- Enterococcus
- Klebsiella
- Staphylococcus aureus.
Nitrofurantoin inhibits the synthesis of proteins, DNA, and cell walls in bacteria. Bacteria cannot live or reproduce without a cell wall.
Nitrofurantoin Uses
- This medicine is used to treat or avoid infections of the urinary tract. This drug is an antibiotic that works by preventing bacteria from growing.
- 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).
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Get A Second OpinionNitrofurantoin Side Effects
Some of the common side effects of Nitrofurantoin are:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Numbness in the hand
- Pain in the hands
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Drowsiness
Some of the serious side effects of Nitrofurantoin are:
- 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
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.
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.
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 (75 mg nitrofurantoin monohydrate and 25 mg nitrofurantoin macro crystals)
Brand: Macrodantin
- Form: oral capsule
- Strengths: 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg
Dosage for treatment of urinary tract infections
Adult dosage (ages 18–64 years): Macrodantin and its generic form: 50–100 mg four times per day.
Missed Dose
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.
Overdose
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.
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.
Storage
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).
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Book an AppointmentNitrofurantoin vs Doxycycline
| Nitrofurantoin | Doxycycline |
|---|---|
| Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic used to treat infections of the urinary tract caused by several bacteria. E. coli, Enterobacter cystitis, Enterococcus, Klebsiella, and Staphylococcus aureus are all susceptible to it. | Doxycycline is an antibiotic that fights the bacteria in the body. It is used to treat different bacterial infections like acne, urinary tract infections, intestinal infections, respiratory infections, eye infections and syphilis. |
| This medicine is used to treat or avoid infections of the urinary tract. This drug is an antibiotic that works by preventing bacteria from growing. | Doxycycline is used to treat acne by killing the bacteria which infect pores and also decrease the natural oily substance that causes acne. |
Some of the common side effects of Nitrofurantoin are:
Some of the common side effects of Nitrofurantoin are:
|
Some of the common doxycycline side effects are:
Some of the common side effects of Nitrofurantoin are:
|
