by Dr. Manura Nanayakkara

Created on: June 05, 2010   Last Updated: April 22, 2011

Nitrofurantoin is a prescription only antibiotic drug used to treat uncomplicated lower urinary tract infections. Sometimes it is called a urinary antiseptic. Anorexia, Nausea and vomiting are the most troublesome side effects. In addition, patients with G6PD deficiency can get serious complications with this drug. This drug is also called Furadentin.

 What are the common side effects of nitrofurantoin?

 In addition to nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite you can have diarrhea. Sometimes this medication can damage your lungs and you may have a condition called pulmonary fibrosis. This medication can rarely damage your nerves (peripheral neuropathy).

 Some patients can rarely have a life threatening complication called anaphylactic shock. This is characterized by sudden faintish ness, low blood pressure, wide spread hives, shortness of breath and pallor. In an anaphylactic shock drug should be discontinued immediately, and patient should seek emergency medical help.

If you have anemia, diabetes mellitus, lung diseases, liver diseases, kidney diseases, acute porphyria, or problems with nerves then you should inform that to your doctor.

Nitrofurantoin can change the color of urine to yellow or brown. It is not a danger sign. But can interfere with diabetes urine sugar test (Can give false positive result).

In addition, The Doctor should know whether you are having a disease called G6PD Deficiency. Administering Nitrofurantoin to patients with G6PD deficiency can have serious complications. You should tell whether you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant or breast feeding to your doctor as well.

 What are the side effects that are not so common?

Yellowish discoloration of body, hepatitis, exforliative dermatitis, erythema multiforme, pancreatitis, joint pains, and transient hair loss is reported rarely. Blood disorders such as agranulocytosis (severe reduction of all the white blood cells), reduced platelets, and reduced red blood cells can occur very rarely. Some patients rarely report a disease called Benign Intracranial Hypertension with Nitrofurantoin.

How to minimize side effects?

As with any medication, Nitrofurantoin should be taken as a whole with full glass of water. It should be used in recommended dosage. It should not be crushed before use. It should be taken with food as well. Doctors usually Co Prescribe Anti emetics such as Maxalon to prevent nausea and vomiting associated with this medication. If you have severe nausea and vomiting then you must inform that to your doctor. Then doctor will usually discontinue therapy or reduce the dose.

   Nitrofurantoin concentrates in acidic urine. Therefore, doctors co prescribe high dose of Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) just to acidify urine. It is usually given four times a day for seven days. Even though Nitrofurantoin is rather old drug, bacterial resistance is quite rare.

  *Sources*

 British National Formulary www.bnf.org

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