Nitrofurantoin

Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic. You can use nitrofurantoin to help clear bladder infections caused by bacteria.

If nitrofurantoin does not clear up your infection after 3 days, you’ll need to speak to a doctor for advice on what to do next.

To take nitrofurantoin, swallow 1 capsule twice a day after you’ve had some food or with a glass of milk. This will help you absorb nitrofurantoin better and stop you from feeling sick. You should not crush or chew nitrofurantoin capsules.

Your doctor will recommend if you need to take nitrofurantoin for 3 days or longer, depending on your infection.

If you take more nitrofurantoin than you should, go to a doctor or the nearest hospital. Take your pack of nitrofurantoinwith you.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a capsule of nitrofurantoin, take it as soon as you remember. Do not take 2 capsules of nitrofurantoin at the same time. It’s better to skip the dose you missed and take your next dose at the time it’s due.

Make sure you take all of your nitrofurantoin capsules and complete the full treatment course, even if you’re feeling better.

Contact a healthcare professional whenever you have any questions.

As an antibiotic, nitrofurantoin works by killing bacterial infections in your bladder area. This stops the burning sensation you have when you pee, and prevents your infection from getting worse. The sooner you use nitrofurantoin, the faster you can get back to your normal daily activities.

You can request nitrofurantoin today from Asda Online Pharmacy.

You can take nitrofurantoin if you are not allergic to nitrofurantoin or any other ingredients in the capsules.

Do not take nitrofurantoin if you:

• are allergic to nitrofurantoin or similar antibiotics
• have kidney disease
• are in your last few weeks of pregnancy
• have G6PD (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) deficiency
• are breastfeeding a baby, as it can get into your breast milk
• are under 12 years old

If you have any of these medical conditions, talk to your doctor before taking nitrofurantoin:

• diabetes
• problems with your nerves (like peripheral neuropathy)
• vitamin B deficiency
• anaemia
• a history of allergies
• dark urine
• liver disease

For more information, look at the patient information leaflet in your pack of nitrofurantoin. You can also speak to a doctor to check if nitrofurantoin is the right choice for you.

Yes, there is a branded version of nitrofurantoin called MacroBID. MacroBID was formerly available from Asda Online Doctor, but has now been replaced with generic nitrofurantoin.

There are alternative antibiotics that help treat urinary tract infections.

These other antibiotics include:

• trimethoprim in combination with sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra)
• fosfomycin (Monurol)
• cephalexin (Keflex)

If you’re unsure which treatment you need, start a consultation with Asda Online Doctor and we can help find the right antibiotic for you.

You can get side effects after you take nitrofurantoin, but these are usually short-lived.

Common side effects of nitrofurantoin include:

• dark yellow or brown urine
• diarrhoea
• nausea
• headache
• drowsiness

If you experience any of the serious side effects below, stop taking nitrofurantoin and call 999:

• signs of an allergic reaction like shortness of breath, swelling of the face and itching
• loss of appetite
• abdominal pain
• yellowing of the skin, also known as jaundice which is a sign of hepatitis
• stomach pain or chest pain
• blood in your stools

Nitrofurantoin may interact with other medicines you might be taking. This can affect how nitrofurantoin or the other medicines work. This includes medicines used for:

• indigestion, like antacids or magnesium trisilicate
• gout, like probenecid or sulfinpyrazone
• glaucoma, like acetazolamide
• changing how acidic your urine is, like potassium citrate.
• infections, like quinolones
• disease prevention, like typhoid vaccine

Further drug information can be found on the patient information leaflet for nitrofurantoin.

You can report side effects using the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme online or in the Google Play or Apple App Store.

What active ingredients are in nitrofurantoin?

Nitrofurantoin is a generic medication, so the active ingredient is nitrofurantoin. Each capsule contains 100mg of nitrofurantoin.

How should nitrofurantoin be disposed of?

Dispose of nitrofurantoin by returning it to your local pharmacy. Do not throw away nitrofurantoin in your bin at home.

How should nitrofurantoin be stored?

Store nitrofurantoin at less than 25°C or at room temperature. If you keep nitrofurantoin in its original box, you protect the capsules from light and water. Keep nitrofurantoin away from children and pets.

In which pack sizes is nitrofurantoin available?

Nitrofurantoin comes in a pack size of 6 capsules.