GENERIC NAME: NITROFURANTOIN - ORAL (NYE-trow-fyour-AN-toe-in)
BRAND NAME(S): Furadantin, Macrodantin
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic used to treat urinary tract infections.
HOW TO USE: This medication is best taken with food or milk. Swallow the capsules or tablets whole for maximum effect. Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Do this by taking the medication at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night. Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow resulting in a relapse of the infection.
SIDE EFFECTS: May cause stomach upset, diarrhea, loss of appetite, nausea, dizziness and headache during the first few days as your body adjusts to the medication. If these symptoms persist or become severe, inform your doctor. May cause urine to turn yellow-brown in color. This is not harmful and will disappear when the drug is stopped. Inform your doctor if you develop: unusual weakness, tingling of the hands or feet, chills, muscle aches, cough, yellowing of eyes/skin. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, fever, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using this drug, tell your doctor your medical history including: allergies (especially drug allergies), kidney disease, liver disease, lung disease, nerve disorder (peripheral neuropathy), anemia, diabetes, eye problems (optic neuritis). Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in a secondary infection (e.g., oral, bladder or vaginal yeast infection). Avoid use of this drug in infants less than 1 month old. This drug should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Avoid use at term (38 to 42 weeks of pregnancy) and during labor and delivery. This drug passes into breast milk. Breast-feeding while using nitrofurantion is not recommended. Consult your doctor.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI In Adults) - Learn about urinary tract infection causes, symptoms, signs, diagnosis and treatment of UTIs in men and women. Antibiotics may be used to treat recurrent bladder infections.
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