Nitrofurantoin 50 mg Tablets
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Nitrofurantoin tablets are antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections, such as cystitis, a common urinary tract infection (UTI) in women. Nitrofurantoin quickly targets the infection site within the urinary tract, killing the bacteria. It's suitable for most adults, including pregnant and breastfeeding women. The active ingredient is 50mg of Nitrofurantoin.
- Used for treating urinary tract infections
- A simple four times daily dose
- Antibiotic treatment for cystitis
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Nitrofurantoin 50 mg Tablets
Strength: 50mg
Pack Size: 12
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Nitrofurantoin
Nitrofurantoin tablets are an antibiotic typically used to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs), such as cystitis. This treatment should help to relieve any symptoms within a few days.
As an antibiotic, Nitrofurantoin tablets work by preventing bacterial growth in the urinary tract. This clears up the infection and relieves irritating symptoms.
Pharmacy Online prescribes Nitrofurantoin 50mg as tablets to be taken orally four times a day. However, more severe UTI infections may require a higher Nitrofurantoin dosage.
When to Use Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infections?
Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic effective for treating and preventing lower urinary tract infections (UTIs), especially cystitis.
Because the blood rapidly filters it, Nitrofurantoin is particularly effective at reaching high levels at the site of your bladder infection.
If any of the following apply, your GP or a registered pharmacist may recommend the antibiotic:
- Acute Lower UTIs (Cystitis): Nitrofurantoin is most commonly used to treat uncomplicated acute lower UTIs. It's popular as a cystitis treatment because it has a minimal impact on gut bacteria.
- Recurrent UTIs: If you experience frequent UTIs, a doctor might recommend a daily lower dose of the antibiotic to prevent recurrent infections.
- Surgery: You may also be prescribed Nitrofurantoin if you're having surgery, as it can prevent UTIs.
Nitrofurantoin Age Restrictions
Nitrofurantoin is generally suitable for adults and children over three months old. However, there are some restrictions in place for young children, including lower doses.
How to Use Nitrofurantoin?
When using Nitrofurantoin, please follow the instructions carefully. While the treatment can be suitable for young children, the 50mg tablets are only prescribed for adults and children over 12 with a weight of at least 40kg.
The instructions are as follows:
- Taking the Tablets: Take each tablet whole with a glass of milk or with food to help your body absorb the medication and reduce the risk of side effects.
- Dosage: The standard dose is one 50mg tablet four times daily, spaced evenly apart. However, if you're taking Nitrofurantoin to prevent recurrent UTIs, you'll take one tablet each evening.
- Complete Your Treatment: Always take the full course of antibiotics, even if your symptoms disappear. It reduces the risks of a recurrent infection.
When to Avoid Using Nitrofurantoin To Treat Cystitis and UTI Symptoms?
Nitrofurantoin is only suitable for uncomplicated UTIs. If any of the following apply, you should avoid taking it:
- Kidney Infections: The antibiotic cannot effectively treat a kidney infection because it doesn't reach high enough levels in the kidneys. Your GP can prescribe a more effective antibiotic.
- Kidney Disease: People with impaired kidney function should also avoid the antibiotic, as it can increase the risk of nerve damage.
- Late Pregnancy: Taking Nitrofurantoin in the third trimester of pregnancy can harm the baby.
- G6PD Deficiency: Individuals with a glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency have a higher risk of developing haemolytic anaemia.
- Previous Reactions: If you've experienced a reaction from the antibiotic before, please avoid using it and ask your GP or a registered pharmacist for an alternative.
Precautions for Nitrofurantoin
If you have any medical conditions or are using treatments, including prescription-only, OTC, and supplemental medicines, please seek advice before using the antibiotic.
Ingredients of Nitrofurantoin
The active ingredient is Nitrofurantoin 50mg, an antibiotic in a formulation that slows absorption.
Inactive ingredients include:
- Lactose Monohydrate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- Titanium Dioxide
- Talc
- Gelatin
- Maize Starch
Side Effects of Nitrofurantoin
There is always a risk of side effects with all medications, meaning there is a risk of side effects when you buy Nitrofurantoin online. Some Nitrofurantoin side effects are quite mild and may subside over time. Others are more serious and should be reported to your GP right away if you experience any side effects. Please contact a member of our team if you are concerned about potential side effects when taking Nitrofurantoin.
Common Nitrofurantoin side effects include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Headaches
- Lack of appetite
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Dark yellow or brown urine
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
Tell your doctor if you experience any of the following Nitrofurantoin side effects:
- Tingling, weakness, or numbness in your muscles or joints
- Fever, chills, chest pain, coughing, or shortness of the breath
- Feeling unwell alongside unexplained bruising or bleeding and feverish symptoms
- A severe headache
- Swelling in the mouth, lips, tongue, or throat; difficulty breathing; a rash or tightness in the chest. This is a sign of an allergic reaction.
How does Nitrofurantoin work to treat UTIs?
Nitrofurantoin achieves high urine concentrations, making it effective for treating lower UTIs. Once the drug is metabolised, it attacks bacterial cells, killing the infection. This is also why it's used as a preventive treatment: the bacteria that cause UTIs are relatively resistant to Nitrofurantoin.
How can I manage the side effects of Nitrofurantoin tablets?
Nitrofurantoin tablets can cause stomach disturbance and side effects such as diarrhoea and nausea. Diarrhoea side effects can be reduced by using over-the-counter treatments such as Loperamide. Nausea can be prevented by taking Nitrofurantoin with or just after food.
To manage vomiting side effects, Pharmacy Online prescribes suitable medications such as Cyclizine, Promethazine, and Prochlorperazine.
Can I drink alcohol when I buy Nitrofurantoin online?
It is safe to consume alcohol while using Nitrofurantoin.
Does Nitrofurantoin cause thrush?
Taking nitrofurantoin may cause thrush, as the antibiotic destroys the bacteria present in the urinary tract, which protects you from developing thrush. This means there is a risk of developing thrush when taking Nitrofurantoin.
Can I buy Nitrofurantoin online if I’m pregnant?
Avoid using Nitrofurantoin during the final 2 to 4 weeks of pregnancy. There are no risks to an unborn baby when using Nitrofurantoin when used before the last 2 to 4 weeks of pregnancy.
How long does it take for Nitrofurantoin to start working?
Nitrofurantoin usually begins to show its effects after 48 hours. It is recommended that you take Nitrofurantoin for the full prescribed course, even if your symptoms begin to clear, as this helps prevent the growth of additional bacteria.
What type of bacteria does Nitrofurantoin kill?
Nitrofurantoin targets only bacteria in the urinary tract, as the antibiotic is absorbed from the blood into the urine, then passes through the urinary tract to destroy UTI bacteria.
Who should not buy Nitrofurantoin online?
You shouldn't buy Nitrofurantoin online if you have certain health conditions, including severe kidney disease, liver problems, urinary problems, or jaundice. You should not take Nitrofurantoin during the final 2 to 4 weeks of pregnancy.
What if I take too many Nitrofurantoin tablets?
If you accidentally take too many Nitrofurantoin tablets, please seek medical advice immediately, as it can increase your risk of side effects.
Warnings
Keep taking this medicine until the course is finished, unless you are told to stop. This medicine may colour your urine, this is harmless.
Leaflets
Nitrofurantoin Patient Information Leaflet
Before you buy Nitrofurantoin online, or any medicines, regardless of whether they are over-the-counter or prescription-only, it is essential always to read the patient information leaflet. Please read the below information leaflet before you buy Nitrofurantoin.
