What is Furadantin (Nitrofurantoin)?

Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic that fights bacteria in the body.
Nitrofurantoin is used to treat urinary tract infections.
Nitrofurantoin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Furadantin (Nitrofurantoin)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to nitrofurantoin, or if you have:

• severe kidney disease
• a history of jaundice or liver problems caused by taking nitrofurantoin
• if you are urinating less than usual or not at all; or
• if you are in the last 2 to 4 weeks of pregnancy

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication. Before taking nitrofurantoin, tell your doctor if you have:

• kidney disease
• anemia
• diabetes
• an electrolyte imbalance or vitamin B deficiency
• glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency; or
• any type of debilitating disease

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby, unless it is used during the last 2 to 4 weeks of pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
Nitrofurantoin passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not take this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast feeding a baby.
Do not give nitrofurantoin to a child younger than 12 years old.

Furadantin Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Furadantin (Nitrofurantoin)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• diarrhea that is watery or bloody
• shortness of breath, running out of breath easily
• fever, chills, cough, chest pain
• nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• pale skin, easy bruising, confusion or weakness
• numbness or tingling; or
• headache, ringing in your ears, dizziness, vision problems, pain behind your eyes

Less serious side effects may include:

• rust-colored or brownish urine
• headache
• upset stomach, vomiting
• bloating or gas, constipation
• feeling dizzy or drowsy
• blurred vision; or
• vaginal itching or discharge

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Furadantin Interactions

What other drugs affect Furadantin (Nitrofurantoin)?

Before taking nitrofurantoin, tell your doctor if you are taking:

• magnesium salicylate (Doan’s Pills, Mobidin, Momentum)
• choline magnesium salicylate (Tricosal, Trilisate)
• probenecid (Benemid); or
• sulfinpyrazone (Anturane)

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with nitrofurantoin. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking Furadantin (Nitrofurantoin)?

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.
Avoid using antacids without your doctor’s advice. Use only the specific type of antacid your doctor recommends. Antacids contain different medicines and some types can make it harder for your body to absorb nitrofurantoin.

Furadantin Dosage

How should I take Furadantin (Nitrofurantoin)?

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
Take nitrofurantoin with food or milk.
Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well before measuring a dose. To ensure that you get the correct dose, measure the suspension with a dose-measuring spoon or dropper, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.
You may mix your liquid dose with water, milk, or fruit juice to make it easier to swallow. Drink the entire mixture right away.
Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Nitrofurantoin is usually given for up to 1 week after lab tests show that the infection has cleared. Nitrofurantoin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.
To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your kidney function may need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain urine glucose (sugar) tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using nitrofurantoin.
Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Do not freeze the liquid medicine.

What happens if I overdose on Furadantin (Nitrofurantoin)?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
Overdose symptoms may include nausea or vomiting.

What happens if I miss a dose of Furadantin (Nitrofurantoin)?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Sourced from everydayhealth.com