Nitrofurantoin

What is it?

Composition

Nitrofurantoin contains the active substance nitrofurantoin, which is the main component of the drug and is responsible for its antibacterial effect. The drug also contains excipients, which may vary depending on the form of release and the manufacturer. These substances help stabilize the active substance, improve absorption and ensure ease of use.

• Nitrofurantoin is an active substance that directly affects bacteria.
• Microcrystalline cellulose is a stabilizer that improves the physical properties of the tablet.
• Sodium croscarmellose is an excipient that promotes rapid dissolution and absorption of the drug.
• Talc and magnesium stearate are used as antifriction agents so that the tablets do not stick together and are easy to swallow.

How to use?

Nitrofurantoin is usually taken orally with plenty of water. It is important to follow your doctors recommendations for dosage and duration of treatment, as these may vary depending on the severity of the infection and the individual characteristics of the patient. The drug is best taken during or immediately after meals to reduce the likelihood of gastrointestinal side effects.

1. Take the drug exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually 2-4 times a day depending on the form of release and dosage.
2. The course of treatment may last from 5 to 7 days for acute infections, but can sometimes be extended to 10 days or more for chronic or recurrent infections.
3. Do not stop taking the drug even if symptoms improve, to avoid the development of bacterial resistance and relapse of the infection.

How does it work?

Nitrofurantoin has a bactericidal effect due to the destruction of DNA and proteins of bacteria. The active substance nitrofurantoin, entering the body, is quickly absorbed into the blood and concentrated in the kidneys and urinary tract. There it begins to actively affect pathogenic microorganisms, disrupting their vital processes, which leads to their death.

A feature of Nitrofurantoin is its specific action in the urinary tract, which makes it especially effective in the treatment of infections of this localization. The drug affects bacteria both in the growth stage and in a dormant state, which allows it to successfully combat a wide range of pathogens.

Indications

Nitrofurantoin is prescribed for the treatment and prevention of urinary tract infections. The drug is especially effective in acute and chronic cystitis, as well as in the prevention of recurrent infections in women. It can be prescribed to both adults and children over a certain age, depending on the form of release and dosage.

• Acute and chronic cystitis.
• Lower urinary tract infections (urethritis).
• Prevention of urinary tract infections after diagnostic and surgical interventions.
• Prevention of recurrent infections in individuals with a predisposition to UTIs.

Contraindications

Despite its effectiveness, Nitrofurantoin has a number of contraindications that must be taken into account before starting treatment. The drug is not recommended for use in patients with certain diseases and conditions, as this may lead to deterioration in health or the occurrence of serious side effects.

• Severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance below 60 ml/min), as this may lead to accumulation of the drug in the body and an increased risk of toxicity.
• Hypersensitivity to nitrofurantoin or other components of the drug, which may cause allergic reactions.
• Pregnancy (especially in the later stages) and breastfeeding, as the drug may have a negative effect on the fetus or infant.
• Age under 1 month, as newborns have an increased risk of developing severe side effects, such as hemolytic anemia.
• A history of pulmonary reactions to nitrofurans (eg, interstitial pulmonary fibrosis).

Side effects

Although Nitrofurantoin is generally well tolerated, like any other drug, it can cause side effects. Most often, they manifest themselves from the digestive system, but other reactions are possible. If any unpleasant symptoms appear, it is recommended to consult a doctor to assess the need for continuing treatment.

• Nausea and vomiting, which may occur at the beginning of the course of treatment and usually decrease when the drug is taken with food.
• Dizziness and headache, which may occur with prolonged use or at high dosages.
• Allergic reactions such as rash, itching, swelling of the face and difficulty breathing. If these occur, stop taking the medicine immediately and seek medical attention.
• Rare but serious complications of the respiratory system are possible, such as shortness of breath or cough associated with allergic reactions to the drug.
• Changes in blood tests, such as a decrease in the number of white blood cells or platelets, which can increase the risk of infections and bleeding.