Nitrofurantoina 20 kaps

Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic used specifically for the treatment and prophylaxis of uncomplicated lower urinary tract infections. It is concentrated in the urine and has little systemic antibacterial activity, making it ideal for bladder infections while minimising disruption to the gut flora and reducing resistance selection. Resistance rates remain low despite decades of use, making it a first-line choice for uncomplicated UTI.

How to Take Nitrofurantoin

Take nitrofurantoin with food or milk to reduce the chance of stomach upset and to improve absorption. Always complete the full course, even if your symptoms resolve within the first day or two. Stopping early can allow the infection to return, sometimes with bacteria that are harder to treat.

For a straightforward urinary tract infection, courses are typically 5 to 7 days. For prophylaxis (long-term prevention of recurrent UTIs), a single low dose is taken at night. Drink plenty of fluids throughout treatment to help clear the infection from the urinary tract.

Treatment: 100 mg modified-release twice daily for 3 days (women) or 7 days (men). Prophylaxis: 50 to 100 mg at night. Immediate-release: 50 to 100 mg four times daily.

Common Side Effects

Common side effects include:

• Nausea (most common, using the modified-release formulation and taking with food significantly reduces this)
• Reduced appetite
• Diarrhoea
• Dark yellow or brown urine (harmless discolouration caused by the medication)

With long-term use, nitrofurantoin can rarely cause lung toxicity (presenting as a dry cough, breathlessness, or fever) or liver problems. Tell your doctor promptly if you develop a persistent cough or feel increasingly breathless during a prolonged course.

Not suitable for upper UTI (pyelonephritis) as it does not achieve adequate tissue or blood levels. Pulmonary reactions (acute or chronic) can occur; report new cough or breathlessness. Avoid in late pregnancy (risk of neonatal haemolysis).

Contraindicated in renal impairment (eGFR below 45), G6PD deficiency, acute porphyria, infants under 3 months, and term pregnancy (risk of haemolytic anaemia in neonate).