Nitrofurantoin (Systemic)

Brand Names : Furadantin, Macrobid, Macrodantin, Apo-Nitrofurantoin, Novo-Furantoin

Proper Use of This Medicine

Do not give this medicine to infants up to 1 month of age .

Nitrofurantoin is best taken with food or milk. This may lessen stomach upset and help your body to better absorb the medicine.

For patients taking the oral liquid form of this medicine :

• Shake the oral liquid forcefully before each dose to help make it pour more smoothly and to be sure the medicine is evenly mixed.
• Use a specially marked measuring spoon or other device to measure each dose accurately. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid.
• Nitrofurantoin may be mixed with water, milk, fruit juices, or infants' formulas. If it is mixed with any of these liquids, take the medicine immediately after mixing. Be sure to drink all the liquid in order to get the full dose of medicine.

For patients taking the extended-release capsule form of this medicine:

• Swallow the capsules whole.
• Do not open, crush, or chew the capsules before swallowing them.

To help clear up your infection completely, keep taking this medicine for the full time of treatment , even if you begin to feel better after a few days. Do not miss any doses .

Dosing - The dose of nitrofurantoin will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of nitrofurantoin. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

• For the capsule, oral suspension, and tablet dosage forms:
  • For the prevention of urinary tract infection:
    • Adults and adolescents - 50 to 100 mg once a day at bedtime.
    • Children 1 month of age and older - Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor.
    • Children up to 1 month of age - Use is not recommended.
  • For the treatment of urinary tract infection:
    • Adults and adolescents - 50 to 100 mg every six hours.
    • Children 1 month of age and older - Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor.
    • Children up to 1 month of age - Use is not recommended.
• For the extended-release capsule dosage form:
  • Adults and children 12 years of age and older: 100 mg every twelve hours for seven days.
  • Children up to 12 years of age: Dose must be determined by the doctor.

Missed dose - If you do miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage - To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store the capsule or tablet form of this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Keep the oral liquid form of this medicine from freezing.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.