Nitrofurantoin

Nitrofurantoin is a semisynthetic antibacterial agent effective as bacteriocidal and bacteriostatic against many gram negative and gram positive organisms, including Escheria coli, Staphylococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus pyogenes, Aerobacter aerogenes and Paracolobactrum species. It belongs to a urinary antiseptic that exert antibacterial activity in the urine but have little or no systemic antibacterial effect. Nitrofurantoin is administered orally. Chemically Nitrofurantoin is 1-[[(5-nitro-2-furanyl)methylene]-amino]-2, 4-imidazoilinedione.

Brands
FURADIN FURADIN FURADANTIN FURANTIN FUROSAL URISTON
Adult Dose
Dose: 0.714 to 1.428 mg/kg
Single Dose: 1.1 (1.071)
Frequency: 6 hourly
Route: PO
Instructions: For 7 to 10 days with food or milk.
Neonatal
Dose:
Single Dose:
Frequency:
Route:
Instructions: Not recommended in this age group
Paedriatic
Dose: 1 mg/kg
Single Dose: 1 (1)
Frequency: As recommended.
Route: Oral
Instructions: For prophylactic treatment
Characteristics
. It is of Semi Synthetic origin and belongs to Furafural. It belongs to Antibiotic (Prokaryote DNA) pharmacological group on the basis of mechanism of action. The Molecular Weight of Nitrofurantoin is 238.20. Its pKa is 7.0.
Contraindications
Nitrofurantoin
Effects
The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Nitrofurantoin, which give rise to further complications include Neuropathy.Nitrofurantoin produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Hemolytic anemia, Hepatitis, Pulmonary disease. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Nitrofurantoin therapy.The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Nitrofurantoin include Vomiting.The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Nitrofurantoin are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Nausea, Anorexia, Skin reactions, Abdominal pain, GI hemorrhage, Angioedema, Vasculitis, Drug fever, Serum sickness.
Indications
Nitrofurantoin is primarily indicated in conditions like Muscle relaxation (long duration) for surgery and intubation, Prophylaxis of UTI, Uncomplicated UTIs, Urinary tract infection.
Interactions
Nitrofurantoin is known to interact with other drugs, the details of drug interactions is as follows:DrugDetailsSeverityOnsetManagementAmphotericin BAscorbic AcidFosphenytoinGestodeneMagnesium Oxides and HydroxidesNalidixic AcidProbenecidProbenecidprobencid block renal secretion of this drugPropantheline (Br)PyridoxineSulphinpyrazone These interactions are sometimes beneficial and sometimes may pose threats to life. Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.
Interfrence
'False +ve Clintest Test Decreased Value of Urinary Alkaline Phosphatase Test Decreased Value of Urinary Lactic Dehydrogenase Urinary pH Test Bilirubin and Icteric Index Urinary Color Test False +ve Benedict''s Test'
Risks
Drug should not be given to patients suffering from Kidney dysfunction, and Neonates.If prescribing authority justifies the benefits of the drug against the possible damages he/she should reevaluate them and consult the reference material and previous studies.
Storage
Tab Store in a well closed container. Protect from Sunlight.
Warnings
Nitrofurantoin should be used with caution in patients with allergies (drug allergies), kidney, liver or lungs diseases, nerve disorders (peripheral neuropathy), anemia, diabetes or eye problems (optic neuritis). Avoid prolong or repeated use, because use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in a secondary infection (e.g.oral, bladder or vaginal yeast infection). Avoid use of this drug in infants less than 1 month old, caution is advised for use in children less than 12 years old. Avoid use during pregnancy or lactation.
Back to List

Any information that appears on this website page is provided for the purpose of general information. This website has been compiled in good faith by HMIS.Online. However, no guarantee is made as to the completeness, validity or accuracy of the information it contains.