Description
Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic that concentrates in the urine, so it acts where a bladder infection is rather than throughout the body. These are modified release capsules, licensed for uncomplicated infection of the lower urinary tract, including cystitis. Swallow the capsules whole with food or a glass of milk, which helps absorption and reduces stomach upset.
Take them at evenly spaced times and finish the course even if you feel better sooner. Your urine may turn dark yellow or brown while you are taking them, which is expected and harmless. Nausea and headache are recognised effects. Nitrofurantoin is not suitable if your kidneys are not working well, if you have the inherited condition G6PD deficiency, or in the final weeks of pregnancy.
Tell your prescriber about lung, liver or nerve problems, and about longer courses, which need extra monitoring.
- Antibiotic that concentrates in the urine, in modified release capsules
- For uncomplicated lower urinary tract infection including cystitis
- 100mg capsules, swallowed whole with food or milk
- Urine may turn dark yellow or brown, which is harmless
- Not suitable if kidney function is reduced or in G6PD deficiency
- Avoided in the final weeks of pregnancy
