Nitrofurantoin is used to prevent and treat infections of the bladder, kidney, and other parts of the urinary tract.
Take Nitrofurantoin exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take this medicine with main meals or with a glass of milk.
Nitrofurantoin is available as immediate-release capsule or tablet, dual-release capsule, or oral suspension.
If you are taking the oral suspension, shake the bottle well before you take the medicine to ensure that the liquid is evenly mixed. Use the measuring spoon or cup provided to measure your dose.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of treatment depending on your condition.
Take Nitrofurantoin at regular intervals. Do not skip any doses. You must complete the entire course of this medicine. If you don't, the infection will not be properly controlled.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not take Nitrofurantoin if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or similar nitrofuran antibiotics.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- G6PD deficiency (an inherited blood disorder where the body lacks a certain enzyme necessary for the proper functioning of red blood cells)
- acute porphyria (an inherited disorder that causes skin or nervous system abnormalities)
- kidney disease, including conditions in which the kidneys produce less urine than usual (oliguria) or have stopped producing urine (anuria)
- history of liver disease associated with nitrofurantoin therapy, including cholestatic jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes with stomach pain, persistent tiredness, nausea or vomiting due to reduced bile flow)
as Nitrofurantoin may not be suitable for you.
Do not take this medicine if you are in the final stages of pregnancy (including labour and delivery). Nitrofurantoin may cause harm to your unborn child.
Do not give this medicine to children below 3 months of age unless instructed by the doctor.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- anaemia (low red blood cell count)
- diabetes
- vitamin B (particularly folate) deficiency
- electrolyte imbalance
- lung disease
- disorders of the brain, spinal cord and nerves
- tendency to develop allergies
- liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are in the early stage of pregnancy or if you are breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Nitrofurantoin to a child or debilitated individual (physically or mentally weak, usually due to illness or old age). Children and debilitated individuals may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. liver and kidney functions, complete blood count) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring of signs and symptoms of liver or lung problems may also be needed.
Nitrofurantoin may cause drowsiness or dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: nausea, stomach wind, indigestion, stomach pain, diarrhoea, constipation, fever, chills, weakness, loss of appetite, joint pain, confusion, depression, headache, hair loss, and itching.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- signs and symptoms of allergic reaction e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
- rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth or eyes accompanied by fever
- signs and symptoms of liver problem e.g. yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles
- signs and symptoms of lung problem e.g. fever, chills, cough, chest pain, shortness of breath
This medicine may cause the level of your red blood cells and white blood cells to drop.
Red blood cells carry oxygen around your body. A fall in the level of red blood cells may make you feel tired and worn out.
White blood cells help your body to fight infections. A fall in the level of your white blood cells may put you at higher risk for infections, such as coughs, colds and flu, which may lead to more serious infections. Avoid crowded places and people who are sick. Inform your doctor if you have a fever, cough, or flu that does not go away.
Your urine may look slightly yellow or brown in colour. This is normal while you are being treated with this medicine. This is harmless, do not be alarmed.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines to reduce high uric acid level e.g. probenecid, sulfinpyrazone
- certain antibiotics known as quinolones
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Nitrofurantoin.
This medicine should not be taken with antacids containing magnesium trisilicate as it could reduce the effectiveness of Nitrofurantoin.
Avoid vaccinations with oral typhoid vaccine during treatment with this medicine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
Sign Out
