Nitrofurantoin is primarily used in the treatment of urinary tract infections.
What is Nitrofurantoin?
Depending on the concentrations of use and the sensitivity of the infectious agent, nitrofurantoin can exert a bacteriostatic or a bactericidal effect.
How should Nitrofurantoin be taken?
In general, Nitrofurantoin is administered orally in the form of capsules or suspensions.
Side effects associated with Nitrofurantoin
Among the possible adverse effects of Nitrofurantoin are included:
- Headache, dizziness
- Gas, upset stomach
- Mild diarrhea
- Itching or vaginal discharge
It is important to contact a doctor immediately if taking Nitrofurantoin triggers any of the following symptoms:
- Diarrhea or bloody liquid
- Sudden discomfort or pain in the chest, wheezing, dry cough
- Difficulty breathing
- New cough or worsening of pre-existing cough
- Fever, chills, aches, fatigue, weight loss
- Numbness, tingling or pain in hands or feet
- Liver problems (such as nausea, dark urine, loss of appetite)
- Pain or swelling in the joints, fever, swollen glands, muscle aches and chest, vomiting, unusual behaviors and mottled skin
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Nitrofurantoin
Nitrofurantoin should not be taken in case of severe kidney disease, urinary problems or a history of jaundice or liver problems caused by the drug. Its intake is also contraindicated in the last 2-4 weeks of pregnancy and in the first month of life. Moreover, the intake of the drug may alter the levels of glucose in the urine.
Lastly, before taking Nitrofurantoin it is important to inform your doctor if:
- You have any allergies to the active substance, its excipients, other medicines, foods, or any other substance
- You are taking other medications, herbal remedies and supplements
- You suffer (or have suffered) from kidney or liver disease or jaundice, anemia, diabetes, electrolyte imbalance, vitamin B or G6PDH and any other debilitating health problem
- You suffer from decreased urination
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
