Nitrofurantoin
Examples
Nitrofurantoin
Indications
Uncomplicated UTI - Escherichia Coli, Enterococci, Staphylococcus Aureus, some strains of Klebsiella and Enterobacter species
Contraindications
Contraindications
- Renal impairment
- Pregnant women at term and breast feeding
- Infants of 3 months or less
Mechanism
Unknown
Administration
Oral, with food to improve uptake
Adverse Reactions
- Nausea and vomiting, anorexia, diarrhoea - Less than 1 in 10
- Brown urine, fever, rashes and local phlebitis are possible side effects of treatment
- Rare problems include lung fibrosis, peripheral neuropathy, hepatitis and blood disorders
Interactions
- Anticholinergic drugs and food increase uptake
- Magnesium Salts may decrease absorption
Education
Patients should be advised to complete the prescribed course of antibiotic therapy.
Pharmacokinetics
Well absorbed from the gut. Excreted in urine (30-50% unchanged).
