Nitrofurantoin

Urinary Tract Infections, Cystitis
Treatment
2 FDA approvals
4 Active Studies for Nitrofurantoin

What is Nitrofurantoin

NitrofurantoinThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryNitrofurantoin is an antibiotic used to treat urinary tract infections. It works by blocking the bacteria's ability to produce energy, DNA, RNA, and protein. This makes it less likely for the bacteria to develop resistance to the drug. Nitrofurantoin is usually used as a second line treatment after Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole, and was approved by the FDA in 1953.
Furadantinis the brand name
image of different drug pills on a surface
Nitrofurantoin Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Furadantin
Nitrofurantoin
1953
247

Approved as Treatment by the FDA

Nitrofurantoin, otherwise called Furadantin, is approved by the FDA for 2 uses such as Cystitis and Urinary Tract Infections .
Cystitis
Urinary Tract Infections

Effectiveness

How Nitrofurantoin Affects PatientsNitrofurantoin is a drug that stops bacteria from growing and reproducing, causing them to die. It quickly builds up in the urine, and also quickly leaves the body.
How Nitrofurantoin works in the bodyNitrofurantoin changes when it enters bacteria, becoming an electrically charged molecule that disrupts the bacteria's ability to reproduce and create energy.

When to interrupt dosage

The suggested measure of Nitrofurantoin is contingent upon the diagnosed disorder. The amount of dosage is contingent upon the technique of delivery (e.g. Capsule or Capsule - Oral) featured in the table beneath.
Condition
Dosage
Administration
Urinary Tract Infections
50.0 mg, , 100.0 mg, 25.0 mg, 25.0 mg/mL, 75.0 mg, 105.7 mg, 80.7 mg, 5.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral
Cystitis
50.0 mg, , 100.0 mg, 25.0 mg, 25.0 mg/mL, 75.0 mg, 105.7 mg, 80.7 mg, 5.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral

Warnings

Nitrofurantoin Contraindications
Condition
Risk Level
Notes
Anuria
Do Not Combine
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
imminent onset of labor
Do Not Combine
Term Birth (Pregnancy)
Do Not Combine
Jaundice, Obstructive
Do Not Combine
Liver Dysfunction
Do Not Combine
Oliguria
Do Not Combine
Parturition
Do Not Combine
Labour
Do Not Combine
There are 20 known major drug interactions with Nitrofurantoin.
Common Nitrofurantoin Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Cinoxacin
Major
The therapeutic efficacy of Cinoxacin can be decreased when used in combination with Nitrofurantoin.
Ciprofloxacin
Major
The therapeutic efficacy of Ciprofloxacin can be decreased when used in combination with Nitrofurantoin.
Delafloxacin
Major
The therapeutic efficacy of Delafloxacin can be decreased when used in combination with Nitrofurantoin.
Difloxacin
Major
The therapeutic efficacy of Difloxacin can be decreased when used in combination with Nitrofurantoin.
Enoxacin
Major
The therapeutic efficacy of Enoxacin can be decreased when used in combination with Nitrofurantoin.
Nitrofurantoin Toxicity & Overdose RiskOverdosing on nitrofurantoin can result in vomiting. If vomiting has not occurred, it may be induced and fluids should be increased to increase urination. In severe cases, dialysis can be used to remove nitrofurantoin from the bloodstream.
image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Nitrofurantoin Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Nitrofurantoin?

10 active clinical trials are underway to evaluate the potential of Nitrofurantoin in treating Urinary Tract Infection.
Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Cystitis
0 Actively Recruiting
Urinary Tract Infections
4 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable

Nitrofurantoin Reviews: What are patients saying about Nitrofurantoin?

5Patient Review
7/14/2022
Nitrofurantoin for Bacterial Urinary Tract Infection
I was really worried to take this medicine because of all the bad reviews I had read. But it ended up being completely fine! The only side effect I experienced was a change in my urine color, which is apparently common. Within a day of taking the first dose, I started feeling better and improved each day until I was completely healed by day 5.
4.3Patient Review
8/25/2022
Nitrofurantoin for Bacterial Urinary Tract Infection
So far, I've had a really great experience with this medication. No negative side effects, and my initial symptoms are gone. I'll continue to take it as directed and see how things go.
4.3Patient Review
3/26/2022
Nitrofurantoin for Bacterial Urinary Tract Infection
This medication cleared up my UTI quickly and efficiently. However, I did experience some bad stomach cramps and diarrhea on the seventh day.
4.3Patient Review
7/31/2022
Nitrofurantoin for Bacterial Urinary Tract Infection
I've only got a few days left on this prescription, but it's working well so far. I had some diarrhea the first day, but that could also have been from something else I ate. Mostly I've just been tired, which is to be expected as my body is getting rid of all the bad bacteria. All in all, though, I'm feeling good and haven't had any serious side effects.
4Patient Review
3/13/2022
Nitrofurantoin for Infection of the Urinary Tract caused by Enterococcus
Nitrofurantoin cleared up my UTI when Amoxycillin didn't work. I also didn't have any problems with side effects, which was great.
3.3Patient Review
9/26/2022
Nitrofurantoin for Bacterial Urinary Tract Infection
Unfortunately, this medication really bothered my stomach. I felt nauseous and had to lie down until the feeling passed.
2Patient Review
7/7/2022
Nitrofurantoin for Bacterial Urinary Tract Infection
I got food poisoning after taking the first pill, and then felt nauseous and threw up eight times. I didn't have a UTI, so this medication did nothing for me except make me feel terrible.
1.7Patient Review
3/25/2022
Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection caused by Klebsiella Bacteria
I was prescribed nitrofurantoin after klebsiella bacteria was found in my urine. I started off feeling okay, but by day four I began to experience some serious side effects like bad heart palpitations, numbness, and nausea. I had to stop using the medication immediately.
1.3Patient Review
10/17/2022
Nitrofurantoin for Bacterial Urinary Tract Infection
I had no symptoms to begin with, but was told I had an infection because there was blood in my urine. I felt sick after taking the first one, and only had to take six total. I persevered, but wish I never would have taken the medication. Amoxicillin normally works well for me, so this experience was very disappointing.
1Patient Review
3/6/2022
Nitrofurantoin for Bacterial Urinary Tract Infection
Disclaimer: I am NOT a medical professional. After taking the medication as prescribed for three days, I started feeling dizzy and groggy to the point of nonstop dizziness. So, I stopped taking it and did some research online. Turns out, this is a common side effect that can last even after discontinuing use. Needless to say, I'll be finding a new doctor.
1Patient Review
7/5/2022
Nitrofurantoin for Bacterial Urinary Tract Infection
My daughter was prescribed this over the phone and had a severe reaction. DO NOT TAKE!!!
1Patient Review
8/25/2022
Nitrofurantoin for Bacterial Urinary Tract Infection
Do not take this antibiotic. It gave me intense abdominal cramps and severe watery diarrhea just a few hours after taking it. I've never had such an extreme reaction to medication in my life.
1Patient Review
7/17/2022
Nitrofurantoin for Bacterial Urinary Tract Infection
I took the first pill as prescribed, and started to feel a bit off, so I took the second (thinking it was just the infection). Big mistake. I felt incredibly nauseous and sleepy, and ended up in bed. I also got watery diarrhea two days later. This experience was awful, and I have no idea if the UTI is gone or not!
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about nitrofurantoin

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

Is nitrofurantoin a strong antibiotic?

"Nitrofurantoin is just as effective as other long-term antibiotics for preventing recurrent urinary tract infections."

Answered by AI

What infections does nitrofurantoin treat?

"A bladder infection caused by Enterobacter can lead to a urinary tract infection. This can be prevented by infection of the urinary tract caused by Enterococcus. A urinary tract infection due to E. may also be caused by Klebsiella bacteria or Staphylococcus aureus."

Answered by AI

What are the main side effects of nitrofurantoin?

"If you're feeling nauseous, taking nitrofurantoin with or after a meal or snack should help. If you're vomiting, have frequent sips of fluids to avoid dehydration. Diarrhoea, loss of appetite, headaches, dizziness, and feeling sleepy are also potential side effects."

Answered by AI

How quickly does nitrofurantoin work for UTI?

"Your antibiotic should start working to clear your UTI within three to five days, although you may not see all of your symptoms go away until up to a week. Be sure to take the full course of medication prescribed."

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Nitrofurantoin