Cystitis treatment Nitrofurantoin
What is Nitrofurantoin?
Nitrofurantoin, the active ingredient in Nitrofurantoin Capsules, is an antibiotic. It is used to prevent and treat infections in the bladder, kidneys, and other areas of the urinary tract. Nitrofurantoin comes in tasteless, easy to swallow capsules.
What is Nitrofurantoin used to treat?
Nitrofurantoin is used to prevent and treat infections in the bladder, kidneys, and other areas of the urinary tract.
Who can and cannot use medicines containing Nitrofurantoin?
Nitrofurantoin is generally considered safe for use in most adults and children. However, it is not suitable if:
You are allergic to nitrofurantoin, or other nitrofurans
You have severe kidney disease (ask your doctor if you’re unsure)
You are in the final stages of pregnancy (labour or delivery), as it might affect the baby
You have a blood disorder called porphyria
You lack an enzyme called G6PD (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase)
Your child is under three months old
You are breastfeeding a baby with a suspected or known G6PD deficiency
Talk to your doctor if you’re unsure about any of these conditions.
Warnings and Precautions
Before taking Nitrofurantoin Capsules, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse if you:
Have diabetes
Are experiencing severe weakness
Have anaemia or a vitamin B deficiency, or abnormal salt levels in your blood
Have a history of allergic reactions
Have kidney problems
Have lung disease
Nitrofurantoin can cause lung disease even in patients with no previous lung issues. If you experience breathing problems, a persistent cough, coughing up blood or mucus, or pain when breathing, contact your doctor immediately.
These conditions can increase the risk of nerve damage, leading to tingling or numbness.
If you lack G6PD, your red blood cells may be more easily damaged. This is more common in Black people and those of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, or Asian ethnicity. Speak to your doctor if you’re concerned this may affect you.
If you have lung, liver, or nervous system diseases, your doctor may want to regularly check your functions if you take Nitrofurantoin for several months.
Nitrofurantoin may affect urine glucose tests, giving a false positive. It can also change urine colour to yellow or brown.
If you experience fatigue, yellowing skin or eyes, itching, rashes, joint pain, abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, dark urine, or pale stools, these could be symptoms of a liver disorder.
Cystitis medicines
Nitrofurantoin
100mg6 capsules - £14.99
