Nitrofurantoin 100mg MR Capsules

Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic that works by destroying the most common bacteria to cause a urinary tract infection (UTI). 

Nitrofurantoin covers the most common bacterial organisms that cause a urinary tract infection and is typically highly effective in women with a UTI with a single short course. Nitrofurantoin is even more effective than other antibiotics at treating UTI's since a large amount of it passes through the urine, and thus targets the site of infection, thereby relieving your symptoms.

The usual dose for simple cystitis is one capsule to be taken twice a day for three days. The medicine should be taken with food or milk. Sometimes you may feel better before the infection has cleared, however, our Click Doctors stress the importance of finishing the complete 3 day course. This is to reduce the risk of the infection coming back and to reduce the risk of resistance to the antibiotic if used again in the future. We also highly advise to drink plenty of water to help flush out the bacteria.

Like any medicine that is taken, Nitrofurantoin can potentially cause side effects or have no side effects at all. Nitrofurantoin may cause your urine to turn a dark yellow or brownish colour. This is normal and will clear when you finish the treatment course. Other side effects include nausea and vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, stomach pains, dizziness or feeling sleepy.
Keep taking the medicine unless the side effects cannot be tolerated or do not go away. In such rare cases, contact your doctor or speak to our Click Doctor for further advice.

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions or on particular medicines. It is very important you declare your full medical history to our Click Doctors via our online consultations so that a proper judgement can be made on its safety.

Nitrofurantoin should not be taken:

• If you are allergic to its active ingredient or any other of its ingredients.
• If you have kidney disease
• If you have G6PD deficiency
• If you have acute porphyria

If you experience recurrent cystitis, it is important you see your doctor so that you can be investigated appropriately and treated accordingly.
If your symptoms worsen at any time or do not improve within 48 hours, you should see a doctor in person as you may need further investigating
Occasionally, UTIs may spread to the kidney causing fever, back pain and vomiting. If you develop any of these symptoms, you should seek an urgent assessment from your GP or otherwise A&E department.

For full information on how to take, side effects and precautions, it is important that you carefully read the patient information leaflet.