Nitrofurantoin

Nitrofurantoin is not known to harm the unborn baby but may harm the newborn. That is why it is not recommended during labor, delivery and for infants who are less than three months old. If you want to use Nitrofurantoin during first 6 months of your pregnancy, a lower dose than usual is recommended if no other alternatives are available.

Nitrofurantoin can be used while you are breastfeeding if your baby is more than three months and does not have any blood cell disorders.

Nitrofurantoin may cause dizziness, drowsiness or decrease alertness and hence caution is advised. You may avoid driving if any such symptoms are present.

Nitrofurantoin does not interact with alcohol but you are advised to limit your alcohol intake because it may complicate a urinary infection.

Nitrofurantoin will cause brown or rust coloured urine. This is not a sign to worry and your urine colour will return to normal after stopping the medicineIn some patients, Nitrofurantoin can cause loose motions which may be severe. In such cases, do not self-medicate and inform your doctor

Nitrofurantoin does not cause the blood sugar to rise but if specific methods test your urine, they will show elevated sugars. This is known as a false-positive result due to a chemical reaction and not due to elevation of sugars.

Take Nitrofurantoin exactly as your doctor prescribed. Taking it with food helps your body absorb the medicine better and can reduce stomach upset. Finish the entire prescribed course, even if you feel better.

Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach upset, and loss of appetite. Taking the medicine with food can often help reduce these. Your urine may also turn a harmless dark yellow or brown color.

Long-term use of Nitrofurantoin (usually over six months) should be carefully monitored by a doctor and is typically only used to prevent recurrent UTIs. Prolonged use can, in rare cases, lead to serious lung or liver problems or nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy).