Nitrofurantoin
Generic Details
Generic Name
Nitrofurantoin
Other Names
- Macrodantin
- Furadantin
- Macrobid
Drug Class
- Nitrofuran Antibiotic
Chemical Formula
C8H6N4O5
Molecular Weight
238.16 g/mol
Mechanism of Action
- Inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis
- Interference with bacterial metabolism
Indications
- Urinary tract infections
Common Dosage Forms
- Capsules
- Oral suspension
Typical Dosage
- 50-100 mg every 6 hours for 7 days
Pediatric Dosage
- 1-2 mg/kg/day in 4 divided doses
Geriatric Dosage
- Lower doses and monitoring for side effects recommended
Side Effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Rash
Contraindications
- Severe renal impairment
- Hepatic impairment
- Allergy to nitrofurantoin
Pregnancy Category
- B - Potential benefits may warrant use in pregnant women despite potential risks.
Lactation Safety
- Unknown if excreted in breast milk, caution advised
Drug Interactions
- Avoid concurrent use with magnesium trisilicate-containing antacids
- May reduce the efficacy of oral contraceptives
Overdose Symptoms
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Hemolysis in G6PD deficient individuals
Antidote for Overdose
- No specific antidote, symptomatic treatment recommended
Storage Conditions
- Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption: Rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract
- Distribution: Widely distributed in body tissues and fluids
- Metabolism: Partially metabolized in the liver
- Excretion: Primarily excreted unchanged in urine
Precautions
- Monitor renal function during prolonged therapy
- Avoid in patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency
Warnings
- Risk of pulmonary toxicity, hepatotoxicity, and peripheral neuropathy with long-term use
Others
- Take with food to improve absorption
- Complete the full course of treatment to prevent antibiotic resistance