Nitrofurantoin Dosage For UTI, Kidney Infection | Side Effects & Uses | Pregnancy

Nitrofurantoin Dosage For UTI, Kidney Infection | Side Effects & Uses

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Nitrofurantoin Dosage For UTI, Kidney Infection | Side Effects & Uses | Pregnancy:- Today I’m going to answer the top eight questions I get about a medicine called Nitrofurantoin.

I’ll teach you what it is used for, what are the side effects of Nitrofurantoin, and of course how you should best take it! So let’s get into it. 

What Is Nitrofurantoin? 

Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic medication. The generic name is Nitrofurantoin but is known by its other brand names: Macrobid and Macrodantin.

Don’t worry they are the same thing. 

What Is Nitrofurantoin Used For? 

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Nitrofurantoin is used to prevent and treat urinary tract infections that are caused by certain bacteria.

It is one of the most commonly prescribed antibiotics for UTIs or urinary tract infections in both men and women. 

How Does Nitrofurantoin Work? UTI & Pregnancy

Nitrofurantoin helps kill the bacteria that cause urinary tract infections. It only works against certain types of bacteria, meaning that some bugs are sensitive to the antibiotic while others are resistant.

You cannot know if a bacteria strain is sensitive to an antibiotic unless you test it in the urine. 

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How To Take Nitrofurantoin? 

Nitrofurantoin comes as an oral suspension or as a capsule. If you have a simple UTI, you normally take one 50 milligram tablet, four times daily for a week.

This is for both men and women. If you have a severe or recurrent UTI, meaning you get them chronically, a doctor may prescribe 100 milligrams, four times daily for a week.

Nitrofurantoin is also prescribed to prevent UTI infections at a low dose. Which is normally 50 milligrams once at night for a time determined by your doctor. It’s best to take each of the doses with a snack or after eating a meal. 

Does Nitrofurantoin Interact With Any Other Medications? 

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Please don’t take antacids such as Gaviscon with Nitrofurantoin as they make Nitrofurantoin less effective.

Also avoid medications used for gout. Specifically Probenecid, as this drug may cause harmful levels of Nitrofurantoin to build up in the blood. 

What Are The Common Side Effects Of Taking Nitrofurantoin?? 

Nitrofurantoin may cause drowsiness so be careful with driving. Nausea and vomiting and if so: make sure you are taking the pills with food.

It can cause diarrhea or it can change the color of the urine to bright yellow or yellow-brown. If so, don’t worry, as this is extremely common and will go away when you stop taking the medication. 

What Are The Serious Side Effects Of Taking Nitrofurantoin? 

These are very rare, but please see your doctor if you develop shortness of breath or a persistent dry cough.

Symptoms of liver problems including yellow skin or eyes, itching, or pale bowel motions.

Nerve damage symptoms so specifically numbness or tingling of the fingers or toes, skin rash, or signs of allergy. Headache, changes in vision or pounding in one or both ears, or severe stomach pain. 

Is It Safe To Take Nitrofurantoin When I Am Pregnant?

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Another common antibiotic that is prescribed for UTI is trimethoprim which is not safe in pregnancy. However, Nitrofurantoin is generally considered to be safe up to 36 weeks gestation.

It is a category B pregnancy drug, which means they’ve only conducted research in animals and not in humans, so if you want complete peace of mind I’d recommend using another antibiotic for UTI. 

Is Nitrofurantoin Safe For Breastfeeding Or People With Kidney Problems? 

It’s not recommended to breastfeed on Nitrofurantoin if a baby is less than one month old. As Nitrofurantoin can pass via the breast milk.

I’d talk to your doctor about other medicines that are safer to use with breastfeeding. Specifically – penicillin medicines.

The same goes for people who have kidney problems as the medication can build up in the bloodstream to very high levels and other antibiotic choices may be a better fit for you.

Overall, this is really good medicine for urinary tract infections but some people can’t take it for the various reasons that I mentioned before. I think it as an antibiotic that it’s often overlooked but it’s quite effective.