• Nitrofurantoin is an antibacterial agent that may be used to 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. Once in contact with bacteria, nitrofurantoin is broken down into its active components which inhibit several vital bacterial biochemical processes, such as protein and cell wall synthesis, DNA and RNA synthesis, and aerobic energy metabolism. Nitrofurantoin is bactericidal (this means it kills bacteria).
• Nitrofurantoin belongs to the class of medicines known as nitrofuran antibacterials.

• May be used as a treatment for acute uncomplicated urinary tract infections caused by susceptible strains of Escherichia coli or Staphylococcus saprophyticus.
• May be given at a lower dosage to reduce the recurrence of urinary tract infections caused by susceptible bacteria.
• Nitrofurantoin is effective for treating certain gram-negative and gram-positive urinary tract infections, such as those due to Escherichia coli, Enterococci, Staphylococcus aureus, and susceptible strains of Klebsiella and Enterobacter.
• Because nitrofurantoin concentrates in urine, side effects are generally less than with other agents typically used to treat urinary tract infections.
• Unlike many other antibiotics, resistance to nitrofurantoin has never been a significant problem; experts believe its broad spectrum of action offers a protective effect against resistance development. However, some bacteria are not susceptible to nitrofurantoin and care should still be taken not to encourage the development of resistant bacteria.
• Generic nitrofurantoin is available.

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. Other side effects, such as abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, skin reactions, or cardiovascular effects are uncommon or relatively rare.
• 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.
• Contraindicated in people with significantly impaired kidney function (creatinine clearance less than 60mL per minute or significantly elevated creatinine), oliguria, or anuria because of the increased risk of toxicity because of impaired excretion of nitrofurantoin. Do not use in people with a previous history of liver dysfunction or cholestatic jaundice associated with nitrofurantoin use, or with previous hypersensitivity to nitrofurantoin.
• Do not use to treat pyelonephritis or perinephric abscesses.
• Because the distribution of nitrofurantoin to other tissues is limited, there is a higher chance that the bacterial infection being treated may persist or recur. Urine samples should be taken both before and after treatment.
• Should not be taken again by people who have had liver problems or reactions to nitrofurantoin in the past.
• May cause liver problems, particularly with long-term use. Periodic liver enzyme monitoring may be needed.
• Long-term use has also been associated with peripheral neuropathy (nerve disease or damage particularly confined to the feet or hands). The risk is greater in people with kidney disease, anemia, diabetes, electrolyte imbalance, vitamin B deficiency, or with chronic debilitating diseases. Rarely, optic neuritis (inflammation of the optic nerve) may develop.
• May also cause other serious side effects such as hemolytic anemia (risk is greater in people with a glucose-6-phosphate deficiency) and Clostridium difficile infection (symptoms include persistent diarrhea).
• May interact with quinolone antibiotics, and antacids that contain magnesium may reduce the absorption of nitrofurantoin. Probenecid and sulfinpyrazone can inhibit the excretion of nitrofurantoin, which may increase the risk of toxicity and decrease its effectiveness because this lowers the concentration of nitrofurantoin in the urinary tract.
• Do not use in pregnant women near term (38 to 42 weeks gestation) or when labor is imminent, or in newborns aged less than one month, because of the risk of hemolytic anemia due to immature erythrocyte enzyme systems. Has been detected in breastmilk in trace amounts.

Note: In general, seniors or children, people with certain medical conditions (such as liver or kidney problems, heart disease, diabetes, seizures) or people who take other medications are more at risk of developing a wider range of side effects. View complete list of side effects

• Take with food (ideally breakfast and dinner) to enhance absorption and decrease the risk of side effects such as nausea.
• Take exactly as directed by your doctor. Ensure you finish the course as prescribed to decrease the risk of resistant bacteria developing.
• Do not take antacid or indigestion remedies containing magnesium trisilicate at the same time as taking nitrofurantoin.
• Nitrofurantoin should only be used to treat infections caused by susceptible bacteria; it does not treat infections caused by viruses. 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.
• Talk with your doctor if you develop watery or bloody stools with or without other symptoms such as stomach cramps or fever either while taking nitrofurantoin or within two months of discontinuing it.
• Do not take nitrofurantoin if you are in the last two to four weeks of your pregnancy.
• If using the oral suspension, shake well before use. Measure the exact dose and then swallow (may be mixed with water, milk or fruit juice before swallowing).
• Tell any health professional that treats you that you are taking nitrofurantoin as it may interfere with laboratory tests.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or intending to become pregnant because nitrofurantoin may not be suitable for you. Do not use during breastfeeding because newborns have immature red blood cell enzymes which increases their risk of hemolytic anemia.

• 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.

Medicines that interact with nitrofurantoin may either decrease its effect, affect how long it works for, increase side effects, or have less of an effect when taken with nitrofurantoin. An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of the medications; however, sometimes it does. 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
• cancer agents, such as paclitaxel, vinblastine, or vincristine
• cannabidiol
• colchicine
• dapsone
• disulfiram
• estradiol
• HIV medications, such as efavirenz or stavudine
• hydroxychloroquine
• leflunomide
• magnesium salts
• medications to lower cholesterol, such as atorvastatin or fluvastatin
• metronidazole
• peginterferon alfa and beta
• prilocaine
• red yeast rice
• sodium nitrate
• vaccinations, such as BCG, cholera, or typhoid vaccine (may diminish the effectiveness).

Note that this list is not all-inclusive and includes only common medications that may interact with nitrofurantoin. You should refer to the prescribing information for nitrofurantoin for a complete list of interactions.