Nitrofurantoin

Nitrofurantoin: uses and side effects

Nitrofurantoin is a drug that is widely used to treat bacterial urinary tract infections. It has a wide spectrum of action, including many types of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.

Nitrofurantoin is given orally as tablets or capsules, usually two or three times a day for 7 to 10 days. The dosage depends on the age, weight and condition of the patient, as well as the severity of the infection. The medicine should not be taken on an empty stomach, and fatty foods may reduce its effectiveness.

Like any medicine, nitrofurantoin may cause side effects. Some can be serious and require immediate medical attention. The most common side effects include:

  1. Nausea and vomiting
  2. Diarrhea
  3. Headache and dizziness
  4. Allergic skin reactions such as rash, itching, or hives

In addition, some people may experience abdominal pain, yellow or brown urine color, and breathing problems. If you experience any unusual symptoms after taking nitrofurantoin, be sure to contact your doctor.

Nitrofurantoin is sold under various trade names, including Furadantin and Macrodantin. It is usually only available with a doctor's prescription.

Although nitrofurantoin is an effective medicine for treating urinary tract infections, it is not suitable for everyone. Some people may have an allergic reaction to the medicine, and others may not be able to use it because of other medical problems. Therefore, before starting treatment with nitrofurantoin, you should consult your doctor.



Nitrofurantoin is a nitrofuran drug that is used to treat bacterial urinary tract infections in humans. It is given orally and may cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting and allergic skin reactions. The trade names of this substance are furadantin and macrodantin.

Nitrofurans are a group of antibacterial drugs that were developed in the 1940s. They act on bacteria by blocking the synthesis of DNA and RNA. Nitrofurantoin also has antibacterial activity, but it is not as widely used as other drugs in this group, such as metronidazole or tinidazole.

When using nitrofurantoin to treat urinary tract infections, it may be given as tablets, capsules, or injection. The dosage depends on age, body weight and severity of the disease. It is usually recommended to take 100-200 mg of nitrofurantoin 3 times a day.

Side effects of nitrofurantoin may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and dizziness. It is also possible to experience allergic skin reactions such as itching, redness or rash.

It is important to note that nitrofurantoin is not recommended for use in pregnant women or children under 6 months of age. You should also avoid the use of nitrofurantoin if you have liver or kidney disease, or if you are allergic to other nitrofurans.

Overall, nitrofurantoin is an effective drug for the treatment of bacterial urinary tract infections and can be used as an alternative to other antibacterial drugs. However, its use must be strictly controlled and carried out only under the supervision of a physician.