Nitrofurantoin
Cystitis|Active ingredient(s): Nitrofurantoin|Manufacturer: Various
Treat UTIs in 3 days: fast-acting and effective antibiotic
First-line treatment for cystitis.
Over 80% effective for UTIs.
Localised effect on your bladder, maximising effectiveness.- Effectively treats UTI in 3 days.
Low risk of side effects compared to other treatments.
How to take
Treats UTI in 3 days
Take one 100 mg Nitrofurantoin capsule twice daily for 3 days.
Take with food or milk
You should take each capsule with food or milk. This boosts the effectiveness of your treatment.
Avoid alcohol
Avoid drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. It can irritate your bladder and make cystitis symptoms worse.
What others say about Nitrofurantoin
After the initial consultation.....I received my online medication within 2 days.....excellent professional service.. Thankyou
shipping was super fast
Excellent service I wouldn’t use any one else
As always a first class service from ordering to delivery. no fuss or hassle very straightforward .ordered on Friday. delivery on sat. fast and great customer service. 5stars every time
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Nitrofurantoin
What is Nitrofurantoin?
Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic which is prescribed to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women. It is the first-line treatment for cystitis, and it works by killing the bacteria causing the infection.
It is available as modified-release 100 mg capsules. This means the medicine is released more gradually into your bloodstream, reducing the risk of side effects. You take one 100mg capsule twice daily for 3 days.
How does Nitrofurantoin work?
Nitrofurantoin capsules treat UTIs by targeting the bacteria causing the urinary tract infection.
It works by going inside the bacterial cells and damaging the genetic material inside. This kills the bacteria and treats the infection.
Nitrofurantoin is also particularly beneficial for UTIs, as the body usually flushes it out through your pee. This means it has a localised effect on the urinary tract, making it more effective at treating UTIs.
How effective is it?
Nitrofurantoin is an effective treatment for UTIs.
One clinical trial compared the effectiveness of Nitrofurantoin compared to a placebo (an inactive drug) in treating UTIs. They found:
- Symptom improvement - 27 out of 35 women with UTI symptoms (77%) on Nitrofurantoin experienced significant symptom improvement in 3 days, compared to 19 out of 35 (54%) on the placebo.
- Infection cured - 21 out of 26 women with a confirmed UTI (81%) on Nitrofurantoin were completely cured after 3 days, compared to 5 out of 25 (20%) on the placebo.
Studies also show that Nitrofurantoin causes fewer side effects than other UTI treatments.
How long does it take Nitrofurantoin to work?
Nitrofurantoin treats the infection in 3 days.
But you will start to feel better within 1-2 days. Even if you start to feel better, you must complete the entire course. This will prevent the infection from coming back.
If your symptoms do not go away after 3 days, you should see your doctor for advice.
Who can use Nitrofurantoin?
Most adult women can take Nitrofurantoin for cystitis. However, some women should not take it because they are more at risk of side effects.
Do not take Nitrofurantoin if you:
- are in the final stages of pregnancy
- are breastfeeding
- are deficient in an enzyme called G6PD (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase)
- have severe kidney or liver problems
- have acute porphyrias (a group of rare inherited disorders which affect your metabolism)
If you have any other medical conditions or are taking any other medications, consult your doctor before taking Nitrofurantoin.
Nitrofurantoin is not available online for UTIs in men. It is more complicated to treat in men, as it is often linked to an underlying condition. If you are a male and experiencing UTI symptoms, please consult your doctor to diagnose the issue.
How do I take Nitrofurantoin?
Take one 100 mg capsule twice daily for 3 days. You must complete the full course to ensure the infection does not return.
You should take the capsules with food or milk because it makes the medicine more effective.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled.
Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Can I drink alcohol on Nitrofurantoin?
It is safe to drink alcohol on Nitrofurantoin in moderation. However, it is not advised to drink too much as it can irritate the bladder and make symptoms of the UTI worse.
Are there any side effects?
Like all prescription medicines, Nitrofurantoin may cause side effects.
Side effects of Nitrofurantoin are rare (occurring in 1 in 1,000 people). These side effects may include:
- feeling sick (nausea)
- headache
- diarrhoea
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- fainting
- loss of appetite
Read the patient information leaflet (PIL) for a full list of side effects.
Speak to your doctor as soon as possible if you experience any persistent or serious side effects. If you experience any serious side effects such as jaundice or a severe headache, please seek emergency medical attention.
Can Nitrofurantoin cause thrush?
Some women may experience thrush after a course of Nitrofurantoin. This is because sometimes antibiotics kill the normal, harmless bacteria which help to prevent fungal growth.
Does Nitrofurantoin make you urinate more?
No, Nitrofurantoin does not make you wee more. Weeing more often is likely a symptom of the UTI. However, if this symptom does not go away after you have finished treatment, you should speak to your doctor.
Can you take Paracetamol with Nitrofurantoin?
Yes, you can take paracetamol with Nitrofurantoin to help relieve symptoms of a UTI. But always make sure it's safe with a doctor or pharmacist if you have any other medical conditions or take any other medicines.
Is Nitrofurantoin safe?
Yes, Nitrofurantoin is a safe and clinically-proven treatment for cystitis and UTIs. But if you have another medical condition or take other medication, your doctor will need to ensure it’s safe for you. Our doctors will also know whether it’s safe for you based on your medical questionnaire during the ordering process.
Can I get Nitrofurantoin without a prescription?
Safety is our number one priority at 121doc. For this reason, our doctors will only prescribe treatment if you meet the criteria in your online consultation.
A prescription from a trusted healthcare provider like 121doc ensures:
- safety during treatment
- effective results
- monitoring of side effects
Note: You must complete a short online consultation so that our doctor can ensure that the treatment is suitable for you. The above pricing should only be used as a reference. The final decision to issue this treatment lies with the prescribing doctor.
Nitrofurantoin Overview
| Type of medicine | Antibiotics |
| Used for | Cystitis (urinary tract infections) |
| Active ingredient | Nitrofurantoin |
| Works by | Killing the bacteria causing the infection |
| Effective within | 3 days |
| Available as | Modified-release capsules |
| Available dosages | 100 mg |
| Usage instructions | Take one capsule twice daily for 3 days. |
| Packaging | Foil blister packs containing capsules in a cardboard carton |
| Manufacturer | Various |
| Branded available? | No |
FAQs
Our online consultations are in the format of short medical questionnaires. You will be asked general questions about your health and medical history, as well as specific medical questions relevant to the treatment you have chosen. We will also ask you for your payment and delivery details to complete the order.
Online consultations take no longer than 5 minutes to complete. All questions are necessary when issuing prescription medicines. It means that our doctors can make sure the treatment is safe and right for you.
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