Find us on Social Media:

Nitrofurantoin
What is it? Overview Usage Side Effects and Warnings
Answers
askAsk

Nitrofurantoin Overview

Written by FoundHealth.

(nye troe fyoor AN toyn)

U.S. Brand Names

Furadantin®; Macrobid®; Macrodantin®

Canadian Brand Names

Apo-Nitrofurantoin®; Macrobid®; Macrodantin®; Novo-Furantoin

Mexican Brand Names

Furadantina; Macrodantina

Pharmacologic Category

Antibiotic, Miscellaneous

What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?

• This medicine does not mix well with some medicines. Serious reactions may occur. Check all medicines with healthcare provider.

Reasons not to take this medicine

• Do not give this medicine to an infant younger than 1 month of age, an infant with a fever and a urinary tract infection, or a young child who has kidney problems.

• If you have an allergy to nitrofurantoin or any other part of this medicine.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

• If you have kidney disease.

• If this medicine caused liver problems before.

• If you are more than 38 weeks pregnant.

How does it work?

• Nitrofurantoin works to injure the bacteria and fight the infection.

How is it best taken?

• To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.

• Use prescription as directed, even if feeling better.

• Take this medicine with food.

• A liquid (suspension) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Shake well before use. Mix liquid (suspension) with water, milk, or fruit juice before drinking.

• Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.

What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.

• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.

• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

What should I monitor?

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

• If you are diabetic, this medicine may interfere with Clinitest®. Use another method of urine glucose testing like Clinistix® or Tes-Tape®.

• Check blood work if you are on this medicine for a long time. Talk with healthcare provider.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store at room temperature.

• Protect from light.

• Protect capsules from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.

• Do not freeze liquid.

General statements

• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

• Most medicines can be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.

• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or in Canada to Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.

• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.

Created: 2005-04-07 17:04:08.0

Modified: 2010-03-09 08:29:00.0

Lexi-PALS TM © (1977)-(2007) Lexi-Comp, Inc. All rights reserved.

 
Share

0 Comments

No one has made any comments yet. Be the first!

Your Comment