Nitrofurantoin MR (the active ingredient) is an antibiotic rug which is used to cure uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTI).

Nitrofurantoin MR helps treat infections present in the kidney, bladder and the urinary tract very effectively. It helps cure the pain and relieve its symptoms.

Nitrofurantoin is very effective in treating UTIs. It usually starts showing its effect with 3 – 7 working days.

When you take the medicine, the body shall filter it out of your blood and it will reach the kidney, the urinary tract and the bladder. Here, it shall tackle the infection by destroying the bacteria at the source.

The medicine usually starts showing effect within 3 to 7 days of taking it. But if you see zero improvements within three days, then you should consult your doctor as you may be taking a wrong antibiotic possibly.

Nitrofurantoin MR can be purchased online via MedsNow. However, this is a prescription-only medication. Hence, you will need to consult your GP to ensure that this is the right medication for you.

You can take this medicine at meal times with food or milk. Do not chew or break it, take it whole.

The Nitrofurantoin tablets come in various 50g and 100g dosage.

For treating infections, either of these tablets may be prescribed four times a day for 7 days.

For preventing any infections from taking place further, either of the tablets may be recommended once a day at bedtime.

For preventing any infections from taking place during surgery, 4 50g tablets will be recommended on the day of the surgery and for 3 days after too.

The medicine may not be suited for some people:

• People who are allergic to nitrofurantoin or any of its ingredients

• People with kidney problems

• People with porphyria (a rare inherited blood disorder)

• Women in the final stages of their pregnancy

Please take advice from the doctor before using this medicine if you have any of the following conditions:

• Diabetes

• Illnesses that cause severe weakness or fatigue

• Anaemia

• History of allergic reactions

• Lung disease

• Liver disease

• Nervous system disease

• If your urine is dark yellow or brown

Some side effects of the Nitrofurantoin MR medicine may include:

• Lung problems

• Change of sensation

• Change in muscular strength

• Headache

• Mood changes

• Confusion

• Weakness

• Blurred vision

• Severe headache

• Jaundice

• Inflamed liver

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Stomach pain

• Diarrhoea

• Loss of appetite

• Drowsiness

• Dizziness

• Headache

• Temporary hair loss

• Coloured urine (a temporary side effect that goes away when you stop the medicine)

• Infections of the genitals or urinary tract (caused by bacteria that isn’t affected by nitrofurantoin)

Nitrofurantoin MR is an antibiotic. So be sure that this is the correct medicine for your infection, as antibiotics taken without their need can be harmful to the body

Some medicines might interact with nitrofurantoin. These include:

• Antacids (especially the ones that contain magnesium)

• Probenecid and Sulfinpyrazone (medicines for gout)

• OTC remedies for cystitis

• Quinolone antibiotics

• Oral typhoid vaccine

There aren’t any life-threatening effects, but it is essential that you contact your doctor immediately.

• What class of drug is nitrofurantoin?
  
  Nitrofurantoin MR belongs to the class of drugs known as antibiotics.

• What happens if you take nitrofurantoin without food?
  
  It may cause an upset stomach like nausea or vomiting.

• Is nitrofurantoin the same as amoxicillin?
  
  No, they are two different antibiotic medicines. However, both are used to treat UTIs.

• Can nitrofurantoin make you sleepy?

Yes, it can.

• Is nitrofurantoin a good antibiotic?

It is useful for treating uncomplicated UTIs.

• Can nitrofurantoin give you a yeast infection?

Prolonged usage or using it repeatedly may cause a vaginal yeast infection.

• Why does nitrofurantoin colour urine?

This happens because certain bacteria may resist certain antibiotics.

• Can nitrofurantoin make you lose weight?

Yes, it may cause loss of weight.

• Can I take vitamin D with nitrofurantoin?

Enough research is not available to suggest any interactions between vitamin D and nitrofurantoin.

• Why should nitrofurantoin be avoided in the elderly?

The elderly may have age-related renal dysfunction in which case the medicine may not be effective.

• Does nitrofurantoin cause anxiety?

This may happen when the drug has prolonged use and accumulates in the body.

• Can nitrofurantoin cause constipation?

This is a possible, but less common effect of the drug.

• Can you take nitrofurantoin long term?
  
  The drug should be prescribed for more than six months.

• Does nitrofurantoin cause joint pain?
  
  Yes, it may.

• Can nitrofurantoin cause chest infection?
  
  Yes, it may cause chest and lung infection.

• Can nitrofurantoin make you itch?
  
  Yes, it may cause rash and itching.

• Is it OK to take probiotics with nitrofurantoin?
  
  Taking probiotics is helpful when you are on nitrofurantoin to reduce the risk of diarrhoea and upset stomach. However, they should be taken after a gap of 2 hours.