Nitrofurantoin Drug: Indication, Dosage, Precaution, Side Effect , Storage, Category Type and corresponding Brands - www.genericdrugscan.com

Nitrofurantoin

pronunciation

pronounced as (nye troe fyoor an' toyn)

Why is this medication prescribed?

Nitrofurantoinis used to treat urinary tract infections. Nitrofurantoin is in a class of medications called antibiotics. It works by killing bacteria that cause infection. Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

How should this medicine be used?

Nitrofurantoin comes as a capsule and a liquid to take by mouth. Nitrofurantoin usually is taken two or four times a day for at least 7 days. Take it with a full glass of water and with meals. Try to take nitrofurantoin at the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take nitrofurantoin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Shake the liquid well before each use to mix the medication evenly. Use a dose-measuring spoon or cup to measure the correct amount of liquid for each dose; not a household spoon.

You should begin to feel better during your first few days of treatment with nitrofurantoin. If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.

Take nitrofurantoin until you finish the prescription, even if you feel better. If you stop taking nitrofurantoin too soon or if you skip doses, your infection may be more difficult to treat and the bacteria may become resistant to antibiotics.

What are the precautions to be followed?

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to nitrofurantoin, any othermedications, or any of the ingredients in nitrofurantoin capsules or syrup. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: antacids, antibiotics, benztropine (Cogentin), diphenhydramine (Benadryl), probenecid (Benemid), and trihexyphenidyl (Artane. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• tell your doctor if you have anemia, kidney disease, lung disease, nerve damage, or glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficiency (an inherited blood disease).
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking nitrofurantoin, call your doctor. Nitrofurantoin should not be taken by women in the last month of pregnancy.
• talk to your doctor about the safe use of this medication if you are 65 years of age or older. Older adults should not normally take nitrofurantoin because it is not as safe as other medications that can be used to treat the same condition.
• you should know that this medication may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
• ask your doctor about the safe use of alcohol while you are taking this medication. Alcohol can make the side effects of nitrofurantoin worse.
• plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Nitrofurantoin may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.

What are possible side effects of this medication ?

• dark yellow or brown urine
• nausea
• vomiting
• loss of appetite

• difficulty breathing
• excessive tiredness
• fever or chills
• chest pain
• persistent cough
• numbness, tingling, or pinprick sensation in the fingers and toes
• muscle weakness
• swelling of the lips or tongue
• skin rash

Nitrofurantoin may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while you are taking this medication.

How to store the medication and dispose it of after its use later?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

Drug Category/Class

• Anti-Infective Agents, Urinary
• Nitrofuran Derivatives
• Anti-Infective Agents
• Antibacterials for Systemic Use
• Antiinfectives for Systemic Use
• Nitrofuran derivatives

Prescribed	May be used as an alternative in the treatment of urinary tract infections. May be used by females pericoitally for prophylaxis against recurrent c...
Weight :	238.159
Structure	Nitrofurantoin
Formula	C8H6N4O5

Nitrofurantoin has 14 Brands listed

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