Nitrofurantoin

Nitrofurantoin: Effective Antibiotic for Urinary Tract Infections.

Nitrofurantoin is a commonly prescribed antibiotic used to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs). It works by killing certain types of bacteria that cause infections in the bladder and urinary tract. The medication is available in various dosage forms, including oral capsules and suspensions, which are taken by mouth.

Uses

Nitrofurantoin is primarily used to treat UTIs caused by susceptible bacteria. However, it may not be effective for all types of infections, as some bacteria have developed resistance to the medication. Your healthcare provider will determine the best course of treatment based on the specific bacteria causing your infection.

Mechanism of Action

Nitrofurantoin kills bacteria by interfering with their ability to produce essential proteins and other substances necessary for growth and reproduction. This mechanism helps to eliminate the bacterial infection effectively.

Dosage Forms

Nitrofurantoin is available in several oral dosage forms:

• 25 mg oral capsules.
• 50 mg oral capsules.
• 100 mg oral capsules.
• 25 mg/5 mL oral suspension.
• 50 mg/mL oral suspension.

Side Effects

While generally well-tolerated, nitrofurantoin can cause some side effects. The most common mild side effects include:

• Nausea and vomiting.
• Loss of appetite.
• Uncontrollable eye movements.
• Feeling off-balance.
• Headache.
• Dizziness or vertigo.
• Stomach pain.
• Diarrhea.
• Flatulence (passing gas).
• Hair loss.

More serious side effects, although less common, include:

• Severe allergic reactions (such as hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat).
• Lung problems (fever, chills, cough, chest pain, shortness of breath).
• Liver damage (nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice).
• Nerve problems (numbness, tingling, or pain in hands or feet).
• Allergic skin reactions.
• Rare but serious conditions like hemolytic anemia.

If you experience any of these side effects, it is important to consult your healthcare provider.

Warnings

Nitrofurantoin should not be taken if you have severe kidney disease, urination problems, or a history of jaundice or liver problems caused by the medication. Additionally, it is not recommended for use in the last 2 to 4 weeks of pregnancy.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and report any side effects or concerns promptly.