$Unique_ID{BRK02054}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{NITROFURANTOIN}
$Subject{Furadantin (Norwich-Eaton)
Furalan (Lannett)
Furan (American Urologicals)
Furanite (Major)
Macrodantin (Norwich-Eaton)
Nitrofan (Major)
nitrofurantoin (various manufacturers)}
$Volume{}
$Log{
Macrodantin*0205401.scf}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


NITROFURANTOIN
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers):
     Furadantin (Norwich-Eaton)
     Furalan (Lannett)
     Furan (American Urologicals)
     Furanite (Major)
     Macrodantin (Norwich-Eaton)
     Nitrofan (Major)
     nitrofurantoin (various manufacturers)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Antibiotic
INGREDIENT:
     nitrofurantoin
DOSAGE FORMS:
     Tablets (50 mg and 100 mg)
     Capsules (25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg)
     Oral suspension (25 mg per 5-ml spoonful)
STORAGE:
     Nitrofurantoin tablets, capsules, and oral suspension should be stored at
       room temperature in tightly closed, light-resistant containers.  Never
       freeze this medication.

USES

     Nitrofurantoin is used to treat bacterial infections of the urinary tract
(bladder and kidneys).  It kills susceptible bacteria by breaking down their
cell membranes and interfering with their production of vital nutrients.

TREATMENT

     In order to avoid stomach irritation and to increase the effectiveness of
this drug, you can take it with a meal or with a glass of water or milk.
     The tablets and capsules should be swallowed whole to obtain maximum
benefit.
     The oral suspension form of this medication should be shaken well just
before measuring each dose.  The contents tend to settle on the bottom of the
bottle, so it is necessary to shake the container in order to distribute the
ingredients evenly and equalize the doses.  Each dose of the medication should
then be measured carefully with a specially designed 5-ml measuring spoon.  An
ordinary kitchen teaspoon is not accurate enough to measure your dose of the
medication.  You can then dilute the dose with water, milk, fruit juice, or
infant's formula to mask the unpleasant taste.
     Nitrofurantoin works best when the level of medicine in your urine is
kept constant.  It is best, therefore, to take the doses at evenly spaced
invervals day and night.  For example, if you are to take three doses a day,
the doses should be spaced eight hours apart.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose immediately.
However, if you do not remember to take the missed dose until it is almost
time for your next dose, take it; space the following dose about halfway
through the regular interval between doses; then return to your regular dosing
schedule.  Try not to skip any doses.
     It is important to continue to take this medication for the entire time
prescribed by your doctor (usually seven to 14 days), even if the symptoms
disappear before the end of that period.  If you stop taking the drug too
soon, resistant bacteria are given a chance to continue growing, and the
infection could recur.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Abdominal cramps, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, loss of appetite,
nausea, or vomiting.  These side effects should disappear as your body adjusts
to the medication.
     Nitrofurantoin can cause your urine to change color (to rust-yellow or
brown).  This is a harmless effect, but it may stain your underclothing.  The
color change will disappear after you stop taking the drug.
     If this drug makes you dizzy, sit or lie down; get up slowly, and be
careful on stairs.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
chest pain, chills, cough, difficulty in breathing, fainting, fever, hair
loss, irritation of the mouth, muscle aches, numbness or tingling, rash,
rectal or vaginal itching, unusual bleeding or bruising, weakness, or
yellowing of the eyes or skin.  Also, if your symptoms or infection seem to be
getting worse rather than improving, you should contact your doctor.

INTERACTIONS

     Nitrofurantoin interacts with other types of medications:
     1. Probenecid and sulfinpyrazone can decrease the effectiveness and
increase the side effects of nitrofurantoin.
     2. Certain antacids (magnesium trisilicate) can decrease the absorption
of nitrofurantoin from the gastrointestinal tract.
     Before starting to take nitrofurantoin, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
any medications you are currently taking, especially any of those listed
above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to nitrofurantoin, nitrofurazone, or furazolidone.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had
anemia, diabetes mellitus, electrolyte abnormalities, glucose-6-phosphate
dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, kidney disease, lung disease, nerve damage,
or vitamin B deficiencies.
     * If this drug makes you dizzy or drowsy, do not take part in any
activity that requires alertness, such as driving a car.
     * Before surgery or other medical or dental treatment, tell your doctor
or dentist you are taking this drug.
     * Diabetics should know that nitrofurantoin can cause false-positive
results with some urine sugar tests (for example, Clinitest).  Be sure to
check with your doctor before adjusting your insulin dose.
     * This medication has been prescribed for your current infection only.
Another infection later on, or one that someone else has, may require a
different medicine.  You should not give your medicine to other people or use
it for other infections, unless your doctor specifically directs you to do so.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Nitrofurantoin should
not be used close to term.  It may cause anemia in the newborn infant.
Nitrofurantoin should not be used in an infant less than one month of age.
Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.  Nitrofurantoin
passes into the breast milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
