Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic used to treat and prevent urinary tract infections. Find out how to take it safely and the possible side effects. Nitrofurantoin is also called Nifuran or Macrobid.
What is nitrofurantoin?
Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic used to treat and prevent infections of the urinary tract (UTIs), such as bladder infections. It works by killing or stopping the growth of the bugs that cause the infection. In people who get urinary tract infections often, nitrofurantoin can be used to prevent infections. Read more about urinary tract infections in women.
In Aotearoa New Zealand, nitrofurantoin comes as:
- Nifuran tablets (50 mg and 100 mg)
- Macrobid modified release capsules (100 mg).
Can I get nitrofurantoin from my pharmacy without a prescription?
From October 2022, some pharmacists will be able to sell Macrobid capsules for the treatment of UTIs. This is available without a prescription to women between 16 and 65 years of age, who are not pregnant and do not have any other complicating factors. Only pharmacists who have completed additional training can supply Macrobid capsules. They will need to ask you questions to make sure it's the best option for you and will need to record your name and address.
How to take nitrofurantoin
Always take nitrofurantoin exactly as your doctor has told you. The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much to take, how often to take it, and any special instructions.
- Nifuran tablets
- Take Nifuran tablets with food or milk.
- Space your doses evenly throughout the day. For example, for Nifuran 50mg tablets with 4 times a day dosing, take your tablets first thing in the morning (before breakfast), at around midday (before lunch), late in the afternoon (before tea) and at bedtime.
- If you're taking the tablets once a day, take your dose at bedtime.
- Macrobid capsules
- Take your capsules with or just after food or a meal.
- Take your dose every 12 hours, in the morning and the evening, eg, take it at 8am and 8pm.
- Swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water, don't crush it or chew it.
- Missed dose: If you forget to take your dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is nearly time for your next dose, just take the next dose at the right time. Don't take double the dose or take 2 doses close together.
- Finish the course: If you are taking nitrofurantoin for the treatment of an infection, it is best to take the antibiotic for the exact number of days your doctor has told you to. Don't stop taking it, even if you feel your infection has cleared up. Talk to your doctor first.
Things to consider while you are taking nitrofurantoin
Nitrofurantoin can interact with other medicines including antacids like Quick-Eze. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you are taking including over the counter medicines, herbal and complementary medicines.
Let your doctor know if you have any problems with your kidneys.
Possible side effects
Like all medicines nitrofurantoin can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Often side effects improve as your body gets used to the new medicine.
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| Did you know that you can report a side effect to a medicine to CARM (Centre for Adverse Reactions Monitoring)? Report a side effect to a product. | |
Learn more
Nitrofurantoin NZ Formulary
Nifuran Medsafe Consumer Information Sheet, NZ
References
- Nitrofurantoin NZ Formulary
- Antibiotics: choices for common infections BPAC, NZ, 2017
- Nitrofurantoin – not suitable in renal impairment Medsafe Prescriber Update 36(4): 51-52, December 2015
- Nitrofurantoin – do the benefits outweigh the risks long-term? Medsafe Prescriber Update 33(2):17-18, June 2012
- Nifuran Medsafe NZ