Nitrofurantoin
Information about Nitrofurantoin
Nitrofurantoin uses
Nitrofurantoin is used in the treatment and prevention of bacterial infections of urinary tract.
How nitrofurantoin works
Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic. It works by killing the bacteria in the urine that causes infection.
Common side effects of nitrofurantoin
Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Drowsiness, Dizziness, Flatulence, Headache, Dyspepsia, Abdominal pain, Constipation, Liver dysfunction, Lazy eye, Pulmonary hypersensitivity, Hair loss, Fever, Chills, General discomfort, Red spots or bumps, Peripheral neuropathy (tingling and numbness of feet and hand), Optic neuritis, Benign intracranial hypertension (high blood pressure), Confusion, Depression, Psychotic disorder
Available Medicine for Nitrofurantoin
Expert advice for Nitrofurantoin
- Nitrofurantoin treats and prevents uncomplicated urinary tract infections.
- Finish the prescribed course of the medicine, even if you start to feel better. Stopping it early may make the infection come back and harder to treat.
- Take it with food to avoid nausea, which is a common side effect.
- It can turn your urine a dark yellow or brown colour. This is normal and nothing to worry about.
- Do not take it for longer or more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Frequently asked questions for Nitrofurantoin
Nitrofurantoin
Q. How long does Nitrofurantoin take to work on a UTI?
Nitrofurantoin starts acting quickly, but you will not start feeling better immediately after taking it. It may take a few days (2-3 days) before you see any improvement in your symptoms. If you do not start feeling better within 3 days of starting Nitrofurantoin or your condition worsens, contact your doctor. It is important to complete the full course of Nitrofurantoin as advised by your doctor, even if you start feeling better.
Q. What happens if you take Nitrofurantoin without food?
You should take Nitrofurantoin with your meal or straightaway after the meal. Taking with food helps in absorption of medicine so that it works better. If you take it without food, you are likely to get an upset stomach. The symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and loss of appetite may also occur. Therefore, to avoid unpleasant side effects, take it exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Q. Does Nitrofurantoin make your urine orange?
Nitrofurantoin may turn your urine brown or dark yellow in colour. However, you need not worry as this is usually temporary and completely harmless effect. It will disappear once you stop taking Nitrofurantoin. Consult your doctor if you are not sure or still have any concern, but do not stop taking Nitrofurantoin.