General
Information and Indications:
Nitrofurantoin, an antibiotic, eliminates
bacteria that cause urinary tract infections. Antibiotics will not work for
colds, flu, or other viral infections.
Information
For Users:
Nitrofurantoin comes as a capsule and a liquid to take by
mouth. Nitrofurantoin usually is taken two or four times a day for at least
7 days. Shake the oral liquid well before each use to mix the medication
evenly. Take it with a full glass of water and with meals. Follow the
directions on your prescription label, ask your doctor or pharmacist If you
have any questions. Take nitrofurantoin exactly as directed. Do not take
more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your health care
provider.
special
precautions:
o Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have
allergy to nitrofurantoin or any other medications.
o Inform your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription
medications you are taking, especially antacids, antibiotics, benztropine (Cogentin),
diphenhydramine (Benadryl), probenecid (Benemid), trihexyphenidyl (Artane),
and vitamins.
o Inform your doctor if you have anemia, kidney disease, lung disease, nerve
damage, or glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficiency (an
inherited blood disease).
o Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are
breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking nitrofurantoin, call
your doctor. Nitrofurantoin should not be taken by women in the last month
of pregnancy.
o you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or
operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
o remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
o plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear
protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Nitrofurantoin may make your
skin sensitive to sunlight.
Possible Adverse Effects:
Though adverse effects of nitrofurantoin are
not common, they could occur. Your urine may turn dark yellow or brown; this
effect is harmless. Inform your doctor if any of the following symptoms are
severe or do not go away:
o upset stomach
o vomiting
o loss of appetite (anorexia)
If you have any of the following symptoms, call your doctor without delay:
o difficulty breathing
o extreme tiredness (fatigue)
o fever or chills
o chest pain
o persistent cough
o numbness, tingling, or pinprick sensation in the fingers and toes
o muscle weakness
o swelling of the lips or tongue
o skin rash
Brand Name(s):
o Furadantin®
o Macrobid® |
