What is nitrofurantoin (oral)?
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 (oral)?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to nitrofurantoin, or if you have:
-
severe kidney disease;
-
a history of jaundice or liver problems caused by taking
nitrofurantoin;
-
if you are urinating less than usual or not at all; or
-
if you are in the last 2 to 4 weeks of pregnancy.
If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special
tests to safely take this medication. Before taking nitrofurantoin, tell your doctor if you have:
-
kidney disease;
-
anemia;
-
diabetes;
-
an electrolyte imbalance or vitamin B deficiency;
-
glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency; or
-
any type of debilitating disease.
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 (oral)?
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 entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your
symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Nitrofurantoin is usually given for
up to 1 week after lab tests show that the infection has 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, heat, and light. Do not
freeze the liquid medicine.
What happens if I miss a dose of nitrofurantoin (oral)?
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.
Where can I get more information about nitrofurantoin (oral)?
Your pharmacist has information about nitrofurantoin (oral) written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of nitrofurantoin (oral)?
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:
-
diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
-
shortness of breath, running out of breath easily;
-
fever, chills, cough, chest pain;
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nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark
urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
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pale skin, easy bruising, confusion or weakness;
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numbness or tingling; or
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headache, ringing in your ears, dizziness, vision problems,
pain behind your eyes;
Less serious side effects may include:
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rust-colored or brownish urine;
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headache;
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upset stomach, vomiting;
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bloating or gas, constipation;
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feeling dizzy or drowsy;
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blurred vision; or
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vaginal itching or discharge.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your
doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at
1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about nitrofurantoin (oral)?
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 should I avoid while taking nitrofurantoin (oral)?
Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have
diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the
diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.
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.
What other drugs will affect nitrofurantoin (oral)?
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.
What happens if I have an overdose of nitrofurantoin (oral)?