8 Things You Need To Know About Nitrofurantoin for UTI 💊

Nitrofurantoin. Dr Sam explains about Nitrofurantoin uses, the side effects of Nitrofurantoin and how to take it correctly for Urinary Tract Infections (UTI).

What does Nitrofurantoin do?
Nitrofurantoin is used to prevent and treat urine infections.

How should you take it?
Take one tablet of Nitrofurantoin immediately, then one tablet four times daily until the course is finished. Have the tablet with a glass of water.

What if you forget a dose?
If you miss a dose, don’t double the amount on your next dose. Continue as normal.

Can you take other medicines?
Some medicines available without a prescription may react with Nitrofurantoin including:
- magnesium trisilicate (e.g. Quick-Eze®)
Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines or treatments that you may be taking, including vitamins, herbal products or recreational drugs.

Is there anyone who can't take Nitrofurantoin?
Tell your doctor if you have kidney, liver problems, or if you have G6PD deficiency or porphyria.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

What common side effects might you notice?
Nitrofurantoin may turn your urine to a dark yellow or brown colour.
Nausea (try taking tablets with food), vomiting, diarrhoea or loss of appetite.

What serious side effects can occur?
Please stop the tablets and see your doctor immediately if you have:
* Short of breath, persistent dry cough
* Symptoms of liver problems including:
yellow skin or eyes, itching, dark urine, pale bowel motions, abdominal pain
* Increased symptoms: fever, chills, sore throat, aches and pains, tiredness, pain when peeing, mouth ulcers
* Numbness or tingling of the fingers or toes
* Skin rash
* Swollen lips, tongue, throat or face
* Headache, changes in vision, pounding in one or both ears (may be intracranial hypertension)
* Severe stomach pain

Will I still be able to drive?
Your driving and capacity to use machines may be affected by this medication.

Is Nitrofurantoin safe to take while pregnant?
It is generally safe up to 36 weeks gestation, but research has only been conducted in humans. There are safer alternative antibiotics to use with pregnancy.

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