nitrofurantoin

What is the most important information I should know about nitrofurantoin?

What is nitrofurantoin?

Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic that is used to treat urinary tract infections caused by bacteria.

Nitrofurantoin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking nitrofurantoin?

• severe kidney disease;
• urination problems (little or no urination); or
• a history of jaundice or liver problems caused by taking nitrofurantoin.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• kidney disease;
• anemia;
• diabetes;
• an electrolyte imbalance or vitamin B deficiency;
• glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency; or
• any type of debilitating disease.

How should I take nitrofurantoin?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

You may need to keep taking nitrofurantoin for up to 7 days after lab tests show that the infection has cleared. Follow your doctor's instructions.

This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using nitrofurantoin.

If you use this medicine long-term, you may need frequent medical tests.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Overdose can cause vomiting.

What should I avoid while taking nitrofurantoin?

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, call your doctor before using anti-diarrhea medicine.

Avoid taking an antacid that contains magnesium trisilicate, which could make it harder for your body to absorb nitrofurantoin.

What are the possible side effects of nitrofurantoin?

• severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody (even if it occurs months after your last dose);
• vision problems;
• fever, chills, cough, chest pain, trouble breathing;
• numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands or feet;
• severe pain behind your eyes;
• pale skin, weakness;
• joint pain or swelling with fever, swollen glands, and muscle aches;
• pain, redness, or swelling in your lower jaw;
• increased pressure inside the skull --severe headaches, ringing in your ears, dizziness, nausea, vision problems, pain behind your eyes; or
• signs of liver or pancreas problems --upper stomach pain (that may spread to your back), nausea or vomiting, dark urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Side effects may be more likely in older adults.

Common side effects may include:

• headache, dizziness, drowsiness, weakness;
• gas, indigestion, loss of appetite;
• nausea, vomiting;
• muscle or joint pain;
• rash, itching; or
• temporary hair loss.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect nitrofurantoin?

Other drugs may affect nitrofurantoin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about nitrofurantoin.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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