What does it do?
Nitrofurantoin is used to treat and prevent urine infections.
How should you take it?
Take nitrofurantoin regularly as directed. Take it with food and with a glass of water. Keep taking it until the course is finished, even if you start to feel better.
What if you forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as possible and continue as directed.
Can you take other medicines?
Some medicines available without a prescription may react with nitrofurantoin including:
- magnesium trisilicate (e.g. Quick-Eze®)
Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines or treatments that you may be taking, including vitamins, herbal products or recreational drugs.
What side effects might you notice?
| Side Effects | Recommended action |
|---|---|
|
Short of breath, persistent dry cough Symptoms of liver problems including: yellow skin or eyes, itching, dark urine, pale bowel motions, abdominal pain Increased risk of infection - symptoms may include: fever, chills, sore throat, aches and pains, tiredness, pain when peeing, mouth ulcers Numbness or tingling of the fingers or toes Skin rash Swollen lips, tongue, throat or face Headache, changes in vision, pounding in one or both ears (may be intracranial hypertension) Severe stomach pain |
Tell your doctor immediately |
|
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite |
Tell your doctor if troublesome |
|
Stomach upset |
Take with food |
If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.
Other information:
- Tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver problems, or if you have G6PD deficiency or porphyria.
- Nitrofurantoin may turn your urine to a dark yellow or brown colour.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
This leaflet contains important, but not all, information about this medicine.
Prepared by the PILs Committee at Christchurch Hospital, Canterbury District Health Board, New Zealand. December 2017
For more general information about this sheet and its contents, see: What does a My Medicines sheet cover?
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About My Medicines
My Medicines Patient Information Leaflets (PILs) contain important, but not all, information about the medicines they describe.
For more information about the sheets, see: What does a My Medicines sheet cover?
My Medicines is developed by a team at the Canterbury District Health Board. Our team is made up of doctors, pharmacists, and a non-medical person to help us keep to plain language. We also discuss our information with specialist health professionals or groups when needed