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Nitrofurantoin |
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What is Nitrofurantoin and why is it prescribed? Nitrofurantoin is an antibacterial drug prescribed for the treatment of urinary tract infections caused by certain strains of bacteria. Breathing disorders have occurred in people taking Nitrofurantoin. Nitrofurantoin has also been known to cause pulmonary fibrosis. An allergic reaction to Nitrofurantoin is also possible and may occur without warning. Symptoms include a feeling of ill health and a persistent cough. All these reactions occur rarely and generally in those receiving Nitrofurantoin therapy for 6 months or longer. Sudden and severe lung reactions are characterized by fever, chills, cough, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. These acute reactions usually occur within the first week of treatment and subside when therapy with Nitrofurantoin is stopped. Your doctor should monitor your condition closely, especially if you are receiving long-term treatment with Nitrofurantoin. How should you take Nitrofurantoin? Follow your doctors directions for taking Nitrofurantoin. To improve absorption of the drug, Nitrofurantoin should be taken with food. Nitrofurantoin works best if your urine is acidic. Ask your doctor whether you should be taking special measures to assure its acidity. Nitrofurantoin may turn the urine brown. If you miss a dose take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember, then space out the rest of the day's doses at equal intervals. Store Nitrofurantoin at room temperature, protect it from light, and keep the container tightly closed. Are there any Nitrofurantoin side effects? Nitrofurantoin side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Nitrofurantoin side effects may include lack or loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting. Less common or rare Nitrofurantoin side effects may include abdominal pain/discomfort, blue skin, chills, confusion, cough, chest pain, depression, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, dizziness, drowsiness, exaggerated sense of well-being, eye disorder, fever, hair loss, headache, hepatitis, hives, inflammation of the nerves causing symptoms of numbness, tingling, pain, or muscle weakness, intestinal inflammation, involuntary eye movement, irregular heartbeat, itching, itchy red skin patches, joint pain, muscle pain, peeling skin, psychotic reactions, rash, severe allergic reactions, skin inflammation with flaking, skin swelling or welts, vertigo, yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, and weakness. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Nitrofurantoin? If Nitrofurantoin is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Nitrofurantoin with Magnesium trisilicate (Gaviscon Antacid Tablets), The gout drugs probenecid and sulfinpyrazone, and other drugs that increase the amount of uric acid in the urine. Are there any special warnings about Nitrofurantoin? Fatalities have been reported from hepatitis during treatment with Nitrofurantoin. Long-lasting, active hepatitis can develop without symptoms. If you are receiving long-term treatment with Nitrofurantoin, your doctor should test your liver function periodically. Fatalities from peripheral neuropathy have also been reported in people taking Nitrofurantoin. Conditions such as a kidney disorder, anemia, diabetes mellitus, a debilitating disease, or a vitamin B deficiency make peripheral neuropathy more likely. If you develop symptoms such as muscle weakness or lack of sensation, check with your doctor immediately. If you experience diarrhea, tell your doctor. It may be a sign of serious intestinal inflammation. Hemolytic anemia has occurred in people taking Nitrofurantoin. Continued or prolonged use of Nitrofurantoin may result in growth of bacteria that do not respond to it. This can cause a renewed infection. |
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