a patient who is taking nitrofurantoin calls the nurse to report severe side effects

What should I know about other medications that affect nitrofurantoin?

Other drugs may affect nitrofurantoin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using. Where can I get more information?

How does nitrofurantoin treat urinary tract infections?

Nitrofurantoin works well to treat infections in urine caused by susceptible bacteria because it has a large crystal structure (called a macrocrystal) which restricts its absorption through the gastrointestinal tract allowing nitrofurantoin to concentrate in urine.

What should I do if I miss a dose of nitrofurantoin?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take any remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. What side effects can this medication cause? Nitrofurantoin may cause side effects.

Can nitrofurantoin cause pulmonary fibrosis?

Nitrofurantoin has been associated with potentially fatal lung conditions such as interstitial pneumonitis and pulmonary fibrosis. If these develop, nitrofurantoin should be discontinued. The risk is greater in people receiving nitrofurantoin for longer than six months.

Before Using

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Proper Use

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.

Precautions

If you or your child will be taking this medicine for a long time, it is very important that your doctor check you at regular visits for any problems or unwanted effects that may be caused by this medicine.

Side Effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

What medications interact with Nitrofurantoin?

Speak to your doctor about how drug interactions should be managed. Common medications that may interact with nitrofurantoin include: antibiotics, such as chloramphenicol or tinidazole. antifungals, such as fluconazole. biologics, such as adalimumab, infliximab, or ipilimumab. black cohosh.

What is nitrofurantoin used for?

Upsides. May be used as a treatment for acute uncomplicated urinary tract infections caused by susceptible strains of Escherichia coli or Staphylococcus saprophyticus.

How long does it take for nitrofurantoin to be absorbed?

The macrocrystalline form of nitrofurantoin allows nitrofurantoin to be absorbed more slowly, reducing any negative effects on the stomach (and decreasing the risk of nausea). An improvement in symptoms may be noticed within a couple of days; however, it is important the course of nitrofurantoin is finished or the drug continues to be taken for at least three days following a clear urine sample.

Does nitrofurantoin help with urine?

Nitrofurantoin works well to treat infections in urine caused by susceptible bacteria because it has a large crystal structure (called a macrocrystal) which restricts its absorption through the gastrointestinal tract allowing nitrofurantoin to concentrate in urine.

Can you take nitrofurantoin with someone else?

Do not share your nitrofurantoin with anybody else. Talk with your doctor if you start feeling unwell or develop shortness of breath on exertion, a cough that doesn't go away, or numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation in your fingers or toes.

Is Nitrofurantoin safe for lung cancer?

Nitrofurantoin has been associated with potentially fatal lung conditions such as interstitial pneu monitis and pulmonar y fibrosis. If these develop, nitrofurantoin should be discontinued. The risk is greater in people receiving nitrofurantoin for longer than six months.

Is nitrofurantoin generic?

Generic nitrofurantoin is available. 3. Downsides. If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include: Nausea or vomiting, changes in facial skin color, dark-colored urine, flatulence, headache, and weight loss.

What are the side effects of nitrofurantoin?

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking nitrofurantoin: More common. Changes in facial skin color. chest pain. chills. cough.

What are the side effects of a syringe?

Dizziness or lightheadedness. feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings. lack or loss of strength. loss of hair, temporary. sensation of spinning. uncontrolled eye movements. Managing side effects (general information)

Can you take macrocrystalline without nausea?

These side effects were dose-related and have been minimized by dose reduction. Many patients who could not tolerate the microcrystalline formulation were able to take the macrocrystals formulation without nausea.

Does nitrofurantoin need medical attention?

Side effects not requiring immediate medical attention. Some side effects of nitrofurantoin may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine.

What is Nitrofurantoin used for?

Expand Section. Nitrofurantoin is 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 often should I take nitrofurantoin?

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.

What to do if you are allergic to nitrofurantoin?

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 ...

What to do if you don't feel better after taking 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 is the phone number to call for poison control?

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

Can you take nitrofurantoin while pregnant?

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.

Does Nitrofurantoin cause nausea?

Nitrofurantoin may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: dark yellow or brown urine. nausea. vomiting. loss of appetite. Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: difficulty breathing.

How to take nitrofurantoin for urine?

Nitrofurantoin for urine infections. Take nitrofurantoin with (or just after) a meal or a snack. This will help your body to absorb the medicine and help to prevent stomach upset. Space out your doses evenly throughout the day, and remember to finish the course prescribed.

What is a UTI pill?

Tablets, capsules, prolonged-release capsules, oral liquid medicine. A urine infection is often called a urinary tract infection (or simply, UTI) by doctors. Most urine infections are caused by germs (bacteria) that come from your own bowel. They are usually easily treated with a short course of an antibacterial medicine such as nitrofurantoin.

How often should I take a syringe?

Space them out evenly throughout the day - this means that tablets/capsules prescribed four times a day should ideally be taken every six hours, those prescribed twice a day should be taken every 12 hours, and those prescribed once a day should be taken every 24 hours.

Can nitrofurantoin turn urine yellow?

Nitrofurantoin can turn your urine a yellow/brown colour. This is quite harmless. If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are suitable for you to take with nitrofurantoin. Some antacids can interfere with nitrofurantoin and stop it from working properly.

Can you take more than the prescribed dose of a sulfate?

Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else might have taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.

Does Nitrofurantoin darken urine?

This will help your body to absorb the medicine and help to prevent stomach upset. Space out your doses evenly throughout the day, and remember to finish the course prescribed. Nitrofurantoin can darken the colour of your urine. This is nothing to worry about.

What are the side effects of nitrofurantoin?

What are the possible side effects of nitrofurantoin? Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

How to take nitrofurantoin?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed. Take nitrofurantoin with food, even if you take it at bedtime. Shake the oral suspension (liquid) before you measure a dose.

What is Multum's drug information?

Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

What are the side effects of a syringe?

headache, dizziness, drowsiness, weakness; gas, indigestion, loss of appetite; nausea, vomiting; muscle or joint pain; rash, itching; or. temporary hair loss. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Does Multum cover all medical issues?

Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects.

Can you use nitrofurantoin long term?

Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using nitrofurantoin. If you use this medicine long-term, you may need frequent medical tests. Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Can you breastfeed a baby while taking Nitrofurantoin?

any type of debilitating disease. You should not breastfeed a baby younger than 1 month old while you are taking nitrofurantoin.

How It Works

Upsides

Downsides

Bottom Line

• Nitrofurantoin is an effective antibiotic with a low risk of inducing bacterial resistance that is used specifically to treat urinary tract infections caused by susceptible bacteria. Long-term use has been associated with an increased risk of serious side effects, including potentially fatal lung conditions.

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Tips

Response and Effectiveness

Interactions

References

Further Information