About nitrofurantoin
Nitrofuran antibacterial
Used for
- Treatment of uncomplicated lower urinary tract infections
- Prevention of recurrent urinary tract infections
Usual adult dose
Usually 50–100 mg by mouth four times daily for treatment; prevention doses vary.
Usual dose in children
Treatment: 5–7 mg/kg/day by mouth, divided into four doses, usually for seven days. Not for infants under one month.
Common side effects
- Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
- Diarrhoea or abdominal discomfort
- Headache or dizziness
- Dark yellow or brown urine
Important warnings
- Not suitable for kidney infections or infections with fever or flank pain.
- Avoid in significantly reduced kidney function; effectiveness may be reduced and side effects increased.
- Rarely causes serious lung, liver, nerve, or blood problems, especially with prolonged use.
- Avoid in infants under one month and near delivery because of blood-cell risks.
Pregnancy
May be used for some urinary infections in pregnancy; generally avoided near delivery. Suitability depends on pregnancy stage and clinical circumstances.
Breastfeeding
Usually compatible with breastfeeding a healthy, full-term infant; avoid if the infant is under one month or has G6PD deficiency.
Interactions
- Magnesium trisilicate antacids can reduce absorption.
- Probenecid or sulfinpyrazone can increase toxicity and reduce urinary levels.
- Quinolone antibiotics may have reduced antibacterial effects when taken together.
- Urine-alkalinising medicines can reduce effectiveness.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.