Nitrofurantoin Description

Generic Name : NITROFURANTOIN

Pronunciation : (nye troe fyoor an' toyn)

Trade Name(s) : Furandantin

Why it is prescribed: Nitrofurantoin eliminates bacteria that cause urinary tract infections.

When it is to be taken: Nitrofurantoin is usually taken four times a day for at least seven days. To be effective, it should be taken at evenly spaced intervals. For example, if you are to take it four times a day, take a dose every six hours. However, if you cannot it around the clock, take it at evenly spaced intervals between the time you wake up and the time you go to bed. Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor to explain any part that you do not understand.

How it should be taken: Nitrofurantoin comes in the form of tablets, capsules, and oral liquid. Your prescription label tells you how much to take at each dose. Take it with a full glass of water or with meals. Shake the liquid bottle well before each use to mix the medication evenly. You may obtain a specially marked measuring spoon to be sure of an accurate dose. The liquid may be mixed with water or milk.

Special Instruction :
1. Take all of the medication prescribed, even if you begin to feel better. Symptoms of the infection may disappear before the infection is cured.
2. You may have urine tests to determine when the infection is cured; keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.
3. If you have taken all of the medication prescribed and still have symptoms, contact your doctor.
4. If you forget to take a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it and take any remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals.

Side Effects :
1. Dark yellow to brown urine. This effect is harmless. Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite. Take nitrofurantoin with food or milk. If you still have stomach upsets, contact your doctor.
2. Difficulty breathing; chills; chest pain; cough; fever; numbness, tingling, or pinprick sensation in fingers and toes; muscle weakness. Stop taking the drug and contact your doctor immediately.

Other Precautions :
1. Before you take nitrofurantoin, tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking, especially antacids, probenecid, and norfloxacin.
2. Before taking nitrofurantoin, tell your doctor if you have anemia, diabetes, or kidney disease or if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Nitrofurantoin should not be taken by women in the last month of pregnancy.
3. Nitrofurantoin may cause false results in urine test for sugar.
4. If your doctor tells you to stop taking nitofurantoin, throw away any unused medication.
5. Do not allow anyone else to take this medication.

Storage Conditions : Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of the reach of children. Store it at room temperature