Nitrofurantoin: Uses and Side Effects

Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic used to treat urinary tract infections caused by certain bacteria. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria in the urinary tract.
Category
Drug
Where to get
Available by prescription from healthcare providers.
Applicable for
Prepared by Shruti Sahoo, reviewed by Dr. Eugene Smith

Nitrofurantoin FAQ


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What is nitrofurantoin used for?

Medically reviewed by Melisa Puckey, BPharm. Last updated on Feb 29, 2024. What is nitrofurantoin? Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic that fights bacteria in the body. Nitrofurantoin is used to treat urinary tract infections. Nitrofurantoin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the side effects of nitrofurantoin?

Nitrofurantoin is an antibacterial medication of the nitrofuran class used to treat urinary tract infections, although it is not as effective for kidney infections. It is taken by mouth. Common side effects include nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and headaches. Rarely numbness, lung problems, or liver problems may occur.

Can nitrofurantoin cause lung problems?

Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. This medication may rarely cause very serious (possibly fatal) lung problems. Lung problems may occur within the first month of treatment or after long-term use of nitrofurantoin (generally for 6 months or longer).

Is nitrofurantoin a generic drug?

Nitrofurantoin oral capsule is available as both generic and brand-name drugs. Brand names: Macrobid and Macrodantin. Nitrofurantoin is also available in an oral suspension. Nitrofurantoin oral capsule is used to prevent and treat urinary tract infections that are caused by certain bacteria.

What is nitrofurantoin BNM?

Nitrofurantoin BNM is an antibiotic which belongs to a group of medicines called nitrofurans. It works by killing or stopping the growth of bacteria and other organisms causing infections. Nitrofurantoin BNM is used to treat infections of the urinary system caused by bacteria, for example, bladder infections. 2.

What information is available on nitrofurantoin?

More information is available on nitrofurantoin including side effects, age restrictions, food interactions, whether the medicine is available at a government subsidised price on the pharmaceutical benefits scheme (PBS) as well as other useful information.

Nitrofurantoin References

If you want to know more about Nitrofurantoin, consider exploring links below:

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