• Basic Info
• Clinical Info

What is this medicine?

NITROFURANTOIN (nye troe fyoor AN toyn) is an antibiotic. It is used to treat urinary tract infections.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• anemia
• diabetes
• glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• lung disease
• other chronic illness
• an unusual or allergic reaction to nitrofurantoin, other antibiotics, other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine with food or milk. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

• antacids containing magnesium trisilicate
• probenecid
• quinolone antibiotics like ciprofloxacin, lomefloxacin, norfloxacin and ofloxacin
• sulfinpyrazone

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve or if you get new symptoms. Drink several glasses of water a day. If you are taking this medicine for a long time, visit your doctor for regular checks on your progress.

If you are diabetic, you may get a false positive result for sugar in your urine with certain brands of urine tests. Check with your doctor.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• chest pain
• cough
• difficulty breathing
• dizziness, drowsiness
• fever or infection
• joint aches or pains
• pale or blue-tinted skin
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• tingling, burning, pain, or numbness in hands or feet
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusually weak or tired
• yellowing of eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• dark urine
• diarrhea
• headache
• loss of appetite
• nausea or vomiting
• temporary hair loss

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Last Updated: July 08, 2009