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How does it work?

Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic which is used to treat and prevent urinary tract infections. The mechanism by which nitrofurantoin kills bacteria is unknown. However it is well absorbed from the gut and reaches high concentrations in the urine where it kills the bacteria responsible for these infections.

What is it used for?

- Infections of the urinary tract

Warning!

- This medicine may interfere with urine tests for glucose, causing the test to give a "false positive" result. That is, the test may say that glucose is present in the urine even if it is not.
- Monitor lung, liver and neurological function in long term therapy, especially in the elderly.

Use with caution in

- A deficiency of folate
- Anaemia
- Diabetes mellitus
- Imbalance of salt concentrations in the blood (electrolyte imbalance)
- Liver disease
- Lung disease
- Risk of or susceptibility to numbness and weakness in the extremities, caused by damage to the nerves (peripheral neuropathy)
- Vitamin B deficiency

Not to be used in

- Decreased kidney function
- Infants under 3 months of age
- Lack of the enzyme G6PD in the blood (G6PD deficiency)
- Life long inherited blood diseases which can cause a variety of symptoms, including mental health problems (porphyrias)

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

- This medicine should be avoided in the weeks prior to childbirth.
- This medicine passes into breast milk. Seek medical advice from your doctor before using this medicine during breastfeeding.

Label warnings

- Take at regular intervals. Complete the prescribed course unless otherwise directed.
- Take this medication with or after food.
- This medication may cause your urine to be coloured.

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