Nitrofurantoin 100 mg

Category- Allopathy

Medicine Highlights

Nitrofurantoin Summary 

Nitrofurantoin 100 mg is an antibiotic for urinary tract infections (UTIs), targeting both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. It should be taken as prescribed, without skipping or stopping early. Common side effects include nausea, headache, and dizziness, while severe reactions may affect vision or liver function. Avoid alcohol and tobacco, and inform your doctor of any liver issues. 

For faster recovery, drink plenty of water, consume probiotics, and eat high-fiber foods and berries to support urinary health. Store the medicine properly and, in case of overdose, flush it out with fluids. 

Nitrofurantoin Uses 

Nitrofurantoin 100 mg is an oral medicine belonging to the class of antibiotic medicines. It is used for the following indications: 

1. Gram-positive and gram-negative urinary tract infections (UTIs) 

Direction for Use

1. Take Nitrofurantoin 100 mg exactly as prescribed by your doctor, consistently at the same time each day. 
2. Do not stop taking nitrofurantoin without your doctor’s approval, even if you feel better. 
3. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s close to your next dose-then skip the missed one. 

How Nitrofurantoin Works 

Nitrofurantoin works by killing the bacteria in the urinary tract that causes infection. 

Nitrofurantoin Side Effects

More Common

1. Changes in facial skin color 
2. Chest pain 
3. Chills 
4. Cough 
5. Fever 
6. General feeling of discomfort or illness 
7. Hives, itching, skin rash 
8. Hoarseness 
9. Joint or muscle pain 
10. Sudden trouble swallowing or breathing 
11. Swelling of the face, mouth, hands, or feet 
12. Trouble breathing 

Less Common

1. Black, tarry stools 
2. Blood in the urine or stools 
3. Burning, numbness, tingling, or painful sensations 
4. Dizziness 
5. Drowsiness 
6. Headache 
7. Pinpoint red spots on the skin 
8. Sore throat 
9. Unsteadiness or awkwardness 
10. Unusual bleeding or bruising 
11. Unusual tiredness or weakness 
12. Weakness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet 

Safety Measures and Warning

1- Liver Dysfunction

If you have a history of cholestatic jaundice or hepatotoxicity, then inform your doctor about it, as nitrofurantoin is contraindicated in patients with these conditions.

Nitrofurantoin Interaction with Other Medicines 

Avoid taking nitrofurantoin 100 mg with the following medicines, as it may increase or decrease the desired effect, or in worse cases, it could be fatal: 

Nitrofurantoin Interaction with Food Products 

Nitrofurantoin interacts with alcohol and tobacco, which can alter its effects. Therefore, avoid consuming alcohol and tobacco while taking this medicine. 

Nitrofurantoin Chemical Structure 

IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry)/ Chemical name

1-[(E)-(5-nitrofuran-2-yl)methylideneamino]imidazolidine-2,4-dione. 

Intake Routine/Cycle

Daily Dose

Take nitrofurantoin 100 mg tablet as prescribed by your doctor. Your dose can vary depending on the severity of the condition and how you respond to the medication. Do not exceed the prescribed dose without consulting your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Always consult the doctor before making any changes to your dosage.

Overdose

Symptoms of acute overdosing include vomiting. Overdosing should be managed by taking lots of fluid to excrete it through the urinary system.

Storage

1. The medicine should be stored at room temperature  
2. Keep away from sunlight and moisture  
3. Keep away from the reach of children 

Dietary and Lifestyle Management 

Urinary tract infections can be cured faster by consuming the following foods: 

1- Water and Fluids

Water is the key player in treating UTIs. Excess water intake helps in flushing out the bacteria from the urinary tract faster. 

2- Probiotics

Our urinary system is lined up with microbes; taking probiotics helps to increase good bacteria, which will trap and kill the harmful infectant and keep the pH of our urinary system balanced.

3- High-Fiber Foods

The contraction of urinary tract infection is higher in a person suffering from constipation. High-fiber food has the most water-binding capacity, which will help to remove the infection around the urinary tract system. 

4- Berries

Berries are rich in fiber content and deserve a high spot in curing UTIs.

FAQ’s

1- Is nitrofurantoin safe during the second trimester of pregnancy? 

Yes, nitrofurantoin is considered safe during the second trimester of pregnancy because it does not cross the placenta to reach the fetus. 

Reference

1. SingleCare. Foods to avoid while taking nitrofurantoin [Internet]. 2021 [cited 2024 Sep 10]. Available from.
2. Terlizzi V, Gribaudo M, Ghisetti V, Antonini G, Saporito G, D’Avolio A, et al. Nitrofurantoin [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 [cited 2024 Sep 10]. Available from.
3. Mayo Clinic. Nitrofurantoin (Oral Route) Before Using [Internet]. 2023 [cited 2024 Sep 10]. Available from.
4. MedlinePlus. Azathioprine [Internet]. U.S. National Library of Medicine; [cited 2024 Sep 10]. Available from.
5. UK Teratology Information Service. Nitrofurantoin and pregnancy [Internet]. Newcastle upon Tyne: UKTIS; 2024 [cited 2024 Dec 7]. Available from.

Mahak Phartyal

Mahak Phartyal completed her bachelor’s in pharmacy from Veer Madho Singh Bhandari Uttarakhand Technical University. She previously worked as a Medical Writer at Meril Life Sciences, where she wrote numerous scientific abstracts for conferences such as India Live 2024 and the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). During her college years, she developed a keen research interest and published an article titled “Preliminary Phytochemical Screening, Physicochemical and Fluorescence Analysis of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis and Syzygium cumini Leaves.