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Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic used to treat infections of the bladder and urinary tract, including cystitis.
A urinary tract infection (UTI) happens when bacteria get into the urethra and bladder. Common symptoms include a burning or stinging feeling when you pass urine, needing to pass urine more often or more urgently, and cloudy or strong-smelling urine.
UTIs are very common in women, and most uncomplicated infections clear quickly with a short course of the right antibiotic.
Nitrofurantoin is concentrated in the urine, so it acts directly where the infection is. It damages the bacteria that cause the infection and stops them from multiplying.
Because very little of the medicine builds up elsewhere in the body, it is a targeted treatment for bladder infections.
UK guidance recommends nitrofurantoin as a first-choice antibiotic for uncomplicated lower UTIs in women, provided kidney function is normal.
We supply nitrofurantoin as 100mg prolonged-release capsules.
Women with an uncomplicated UTI usually take one capsule twice a day for 3 days, which is 6 capsules. Men usually take the same dose for 7 days, which is 14 capsules.
Our prescriber will confirm the right course for you based on your consultation.
Most people notice their symptoms improving within a few days. Take each capsule with food or milk, swallow it whole and space your doses about 12 hours apart.
Keep taking the capsules until the course is finished, even if you feel better. If your symptoms have not improved after 48 hours, or they get worse, speak to a doctor or pharmacist.
If you forget a dose, take it when you remember later that day and carry on as normal. If you miss a whole day, take the normal dose the next day. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
If you take too much, contact a doctor or your nearest hospital emergency department straight away and take the pack with you.
Trimethoprim is the other first-choice antibiotic for uncomplicated UTIs. Pivmecillinam is usually used if a first-choice antibiotic is not suitable or has not worked. Our prescriber will choose the most appropriate option for you.
Nitrofurantoin is not known to reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraception. If you have vomiting or severe diarrhoea while taking it, follow the advice in your contraceptive pill leaflet, as this can stop the pill from being absorbed.
Side effects are usually mild and include nausea, headache, loss of appetite and diarrhoea. Your urine may turn dark yellow or brown, which is harmless. Stop taking it and get medical advice straight away if you develop breathing difficulty, a persistent cough, chest pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or numbness or tingling.
No. Nitrofurantoin is a prescription-only medicine. You can request it from Westbury Chemist by completing an online consultation, which our prescriber will review before your treatment is supplied.
Nitrofurantoin isn't right for everyone. It should not be taken if you have severe kidney problems, porphyria or G6PD deficiency, or if you are in the final weeks of pregnancy, and it can interact with some indigestion remedies, gout medicines and medicines that make the urine less acidic. Here's all the official information on it. If anything doesn't make sense, just let our clinician know, and they can discuss it with you.
Medicines can cause side effects. Always read the leaflet that comes with your medication and report any side effects to your pharmacist.
The electronic medicines compendium (emc) publishes the official leaflets for licensed UK medicines.
Every online consultation is reviewed by one of our pharmacists before any medicine is supplied. Each clinician is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council, and you can check their registration using the Verify link.
Superintendent Pharmacist and Independent Prescriber
Leads clinical governance at Westbury Chemist. Clinical interests include acute respiratory conditions, urinary tract infections and musculoskeletal conditions.
Pharmacist Independent Prescriber
Clinical interests include ear, nose and throat conditions, high blood pressure and weight management.
Pharmacist Independent Prescriber
Clinical interests include asthma, COPD and the management of long-term conditions.
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