Before taking nitrofurantoin

Before taking nitrofurantoin make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you have liver or kidney problems.
• If you suffer from anaemia, diabetes, or low levels of vitamin B or folic acid.
• If you have lung problems or breathing difficulties.
• If you suffer from porphyria (a rare blood disorder).
• If you suffer with peripheral neuropathy (a problem with nerves causing pain or numbness).
• If you have glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency.
• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take nitrofurantoin

• Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
• Take nitrofurantoin exactly as directed by your doctor. Take your doses with or just after a meal or eating food.
• It is important to take nitrofurantoin at regular intervals throughout the day and to complete the course you have been given.
• If you have been given the modified release form of nitrofurantoin, swallow the capsules whole (do not crush or chew). You can take them with a glass of water.
• If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose in which case skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Nitrofurantoin may colour your urine brown. This is completely harmless and no cause for concern.
• If you are using hormonal contraception (the 'pill'), the current advice (January 2011) is that additional contraceptive precautions such as condoms are not required during a course of this antibiotic unless you are sick or have diarrhoea. If you need further advice, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
• Some antacids can interfere with nitrofurantoin. If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with nitrofurantoin.
• If you are diabetic, this medicine might interfere with some urine tests for glucose. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice if you normally monitor your glucose levels with urine tests.
• If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
• This antibiotic may stop the oral typhoid vaccine from working. If you are having any vaccinations, make sure the person treating you knows that you are taking this medicine.

Can nitrofurantoin cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

How to store nitrofurantoin

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

References

• British National Formulary; 57th Edition (March 2009) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London