An antibiotic used for the treatment of urinary-tract infections and to prevent infection during surgery of the genitourinary tract. It is especially useful for treating kidney infections that are resistant to other antibiotics. It is available, on prescription only, as tablets, capsules, modified-release capsules, or a suspension.
Side effects: include gastrointestinal upset, breathing difficulties, rash,
and itching. Rare side effects are jaundice, inflammation of the liver, and
blood disorders. The drug should be withdrawn if signs of breathing
problems, jaundice, or liver problems occur.
Precautions: nitrofurantoin should not be taken by people with impaired
kidney function or by women at the end of pregnancy or who are breastfeeding.
Interactions with other drugs:
Magnesium trisilicate: reduces absorption of nitrofurantoin.
Probenecid: increases the potential toxicity of nitrofurantoin.
Proprietary preparations: Furadantin; Macrobid; Macrodantin.
