Furadantin (nitrofurantoin)
Furadantin is a medicine used to treat bacterial infections only. This medicine does not work for viral infections. It contains an active ingredient known as nitrofurantoin. This medicine gets filtered out of the blood and is passed into the urine through the kidney. It enters the bacterial cells and damages the DNA of the bacteria. Due to this the bacteria cannot reproduce and grow.
Dosage
The dosage of Furadantin (nitrofurantoin) can vary depending on the specific infection being treated, the severity of the infection, and individual factors. It is important to follow your healthcare provider's instructions or the directions on the prescription label. The typical dosage recommendations for Furadantin are as follows:
For adults:
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infections: The usual dosage is 50 to 100 mg taken orally four times daily for 7 days.
- Prevention of urinary tract infections: The recommended dosage is 50 to 100 mg taken orally once daily at bedtime.
- Other infections: The dosage and duration of treatment will depend on the specific infection being treated. It is determined by the healthcare provider and should be followed carefully.
For children:
- The dosage for children will depend on their age, weight, and the specific infection being treated. It is determined by the healthcare provider and should be followed carefully.
Composition
It is a synthetic chemical which is yellow in color, stable and a crystalline compound. It is available in 25mg/5mL liquid suspension for oral administration. It is used for oral suspension and contains carboxymethylcellulose sodium, flavors, citric acid, magnesium aluminum silicate, Methylparaben, purified water, Propylparaben, sodium citrate, and sorbitol.
Uses
This medicine is used to treat or prevent certain bladder and urinary tract infections.
Side-Effects
There are many side effects of this medicine. Reach out to your doctor if you have any allergic reactions such as hives, rashes, or swelling of the face or lips or tongue. In such a scenario stop using the medicine and get medical help. Some of the common side effects are Nausea, anorexia, headache, fever, cough, shivering, blue colored skin, signs of jaundice, difficulty in breathing, emesis, pulmonary disorder, allergic reactions, diarrhea, hepatic dysfunction, Stevens - Johnson syndrome, methemoglobinemia, dizziness, peripheral neuropathy, exfoliative dermatitis and optic neuritis. This medicine can also turn your urine color to dark yellow or brown, however, this is normal and you need not to worry about the same.
Contraindications
The doctor will go through your medical history before prescribing this medicine to you. They would want to know if you have a history of decreased liver function or any type of liver disease or lung disease. Also, if you have anemia, diabetes, folate deficiency, vitamin B deficiency, nerves disorder or disturbance of salt level in blood, the doctor may not prescribe this medicine. It`s also not advised to people who have porphyrias a kind of a hereditary blood disorder or for babies under three months of age. If you are allergic to the medicine or to any of its ingredients, do let the doctor know. If in case you are going to use this medicine for a long term, it is advised that you frequently visit your doctor to be monitored for any signs of side effects.
Pregnancy and Furadantin
This medicine can affect the baby’s red blood cells if used for a long term during labor or childbirth. It is imperative that you let your doctor know beforehand if you are pregnant or planning to have a child. This medicine can also pass into the breast milk and can have side effects on the child, hence is not advised to be used by women who are breastfeeding.
Some frequently asked questions about Nitrofurantoin
What is nitrofurantoin?
Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic medication that is used to treat urinary tract infections caused by susceptible bacteria. It belongs to the class of drugs known as nitrofuran antibiotics.
How does nitrofurantoin work?
Nitrofurantoin works by interfering with the bacteria's ability to produce proteins and DNA, thereby inhibiting their growth and causing their death.
What conditions can nitrofurantoin treat?
Nitrofurantoin is primarily used to treat uncomplicated urinary tract infections caused by susceptible bacteria. It is not effective against infections outside the urinary tract.
How is nitrofurantoin taken?
Nitrofurantoin is taken orally with food to enhance absorption and reduce the risk of stomach upset. It is important to follow your healthcare provider's instructions or the directions on the prescription label. The medication should be swallowed whole and not chewed or crushed.
Can nitrofurantoin be used by children?
Nitrofurantoin can be prescribed to children, and the dosage will be determined by their age, weight, and the specific infection being treated. The healthcare provider will determine the appropriate dosage for children.Can nitrofurantoin interact with other medications?
Nitrofurantoin may interact with certain medications, including antacids containing magnesium trisilicate, certain anticoagulants, and drugs that affect liver enzymes. It is important to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications, supplements, or herbal products you are taking to avoid potential interactions.
What are the common side effects of nitrofurantoin?
Common side effects of nitrofurantoin may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, headache, and dizziness. If you experience any severe or persistent side effects, contact your healthcare provider.
Can nitrofurantoin be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Nitrofurantoin is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy after the first trimester. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before using the medication during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
How long does nitrofurantoin take to work?
Nitrofurantoin typically starts working within a few days of starting the treatment. However, it is important to complete the full course of treatment as prescribed by your healthcare provider to ensure complete eradication of the infection.
Can I consume alcohol while taking nitrofurantoin?
It is generally recommended to avoid consuming alcohol while taking nitrofurantoin. Alcohol can increase the risk of certain side effects and may reduce the effectiveness of the medication.
Can nitrofurantoin be used for viral or fungal infections?
No, nitrofurantoin is only effective against bacterial infections and should not be used to treat viral or fungal infections. It is important to use the medication only for the specific purpose it is prescribed for.
