NITROFURANTOIN – ORAL (NYE-trow-fyour-AN-toe-in)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Furadantin, Macrodantin
USES: Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic used to treat urinary tract infections.
HOW TO TAKE THIS MEDICATION: This medication is best taken with food or milk. Swallow the capsules or tablets whole for maximum effect. Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Do this by taking the medication at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night. Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow resulting in a relapse of the infection.
SIDE EFFECTS: May cause stomach upset, diarrhea, loss of appetite, nausea, dizziness and headache during the first few days as your body adjusts to the medication. If these symptoms persist or become severe, inform your doctor. May cause urine to turn yellow-brown in color. This is not harmful and will disappear when the drug is stopped. Inform your doctor if you develop: unusual weakness, tingling of the hands or feet, chills, muscle aches, cough, yellowing of eyes/skin. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, fever, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using this drug, tell your doctor your medical history including: allergies (especially drug allergies), kidney disease, liver disease, lung disease, nerve disorder (peripheral neuropathy), anemia, diabetes, eye problems (optic neuritis). Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in a secondary infection (e.g., oral, bladder or vaginal yeast infection). Avoid use of this drug in infants less than 1 month old. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this drug. Avoid use at term (38 to 42 weeks of pregnancy) and during labor and delivery. This drug is excreted into breast milk and a decision must be made to either discontinue the use of this drug or to stop breast-feeding. Consult your doctor.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Inform your doctor about all the medicines you use (both prescription and nonprescription) especially of: probenecid, sulfinpyrazone, quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin), magnesium trisilicate-containing antacids. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include vomiting.
NOTES: This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection or give it to someone else. A different medication may be necessary in those cases.
MISSED DOSE: Take the missed dose as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next dose. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59 to 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.
