Furadantin

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Furadantin (nitrofurantoin), a synthetic chemical, is a stable, yellow, crystalline compound. Furadantin (nitrofurantoin oral suspension) is an antibacterial agent for specific urinary tract infections. Furadantin (nitrofurantoin oral suspension) is available in 25mg/5mL liquid suspension for oral administration.

 Furadantin® (nitrofurantoin)  Structural Formula Illustration

Inactive Ingredients

Furadantin (nitrofurantoin oral suspension) Oral Suspension contains carboxymethylcellulose sodium, citric acid, flavors, glycerin, magnesium aluminum silicate, methylparaben, propylparaben, purified water, saccharin, sodium citrate, and sorbitol.

What are the possible side effects of nitrofurantoin (Furadantin, Macrobid, Macrodantin)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

  • diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
  • shortness of breath, running out of breath easily;
  • fever, chills, cough, chest pain;
  • nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Furadantin »

What are the precautions when taking nitrofurantoin oral suspension (Furadantin)?

Before taking nitrofurantoin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: kidney disease (e.g., little or no urine output), a certain genetic condition (G-6-PD deficiency), a history of liver problems due to nitrofurantoin use in the past.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, lung disease, numbness/tingling of the arms/legs, vitamin B deficiency, mineral...

Read All Potential Precautions of Furadantin »


Furadantin Consumer (continued)

SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, headache, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur. Take this medication with food to help minimize nausea. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

This medication may cause your urine to turn dark yellow or brown in color. This is usually a harmless, temporary effect and will disappear when the medication is stopped. However, dark brown urine can also be a sign of rare side effects (liver problems or anemia). Therefore, seek immediate medical attention if you notice dark urine along with any of the following symptoms: persistent nausea/vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, tiredness, fast/pounding heartbeat.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: eye pain, vision changes, mental/mood changes, persistent/severe headaches, new signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), easy bruising/bleeding.

Seek immediate medical attention if you develop the following rare but very serious side effects: numbness/tingling of the hands/feet, unusual muscle weakness.

This medication may rarely cause very serious (possibly fatal) lung problems. Lung problems may occur within the first month of treatment or after long-term use of nitrofurantoin (generally for 6 months or longer). Seek immediate medical attention if you develop symptoms of lung problems, including: persistent cough, chest pain, shortness of breath/trouble breathing, joint/muscle pain, bluish/purplish skin.

This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition (Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea) due to a resistant bacteria. This condition may occur during treatment or even weeks to months after treatment has stopped. Do not use anti-diarrhea products or narcotic pain medications if you have the following symptoms because these products may make them worse. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop: persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, blood/mucus in your stool.

Use of nitrofurantoin for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new vaginal yeast infection. Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge, or other new symptoms.

A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking nitrofurantoin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: kidney disease (e.g., little or no urine output), a certain genetic condition (G-6-PD deficiency), a history of liver problems due to nitrofurantoin use in the past.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, lung disease, numbness/tingling of the arms/legs, vitamin B deficiency, mineral imbalance, blood disorders (e.g., anemia), diabetes, persistent weakness due to long-term disease, certain eye disorders (e.g., optic neuritis).

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.

Kidney function declines as you grow older. This medication is removed by the kidneys. Therefore, elderly people may be at a greater risk for side effects while using this drug.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. It must not be used if you are near the end of your pregnancy (38-42 weeks) or at the time of labor and delivery. Doing so may cause a certain blood disorder (hemolytic anemia) in your baby. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This medication passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on nursing infants younger than 1 month old or those with a certain genetic condition (G-6-PD deficiency). Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.


Furadantin Patient Information Including Side Effects

Brand Names: Furadantin, Macrobid, Macrodantin

Generic Name: nitrofurantoin (oral) (Pronunciation: NYE troe fue RAN toin)

  • What is nitrofurantoin (Furadantin)?
  • What are the possible side effects of nitrofurantoin (Furadantin)?
  • What is the most important information I should know about nitrofurantoin (Furadantin)?
  • What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking nitrofurantoin (Furadantin)?
  • How should I take nitrofurantoin (Furadantin)?
  • What happens if I miss a dose (Furadantin)?
  • What happens if I overdose (Furadantin)?
  • What should I avoid while taking nitrofurantoin (Furadantin)?
  • What other drugs will affect nitrofurantoin (Furadantin)?
  • Where can I get more information?

What is nitrofurantoin (Furadantin)?

Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic that fights bacteria in the body.

Nitrofurantoin is used to treat urinary tract infections.

Nitrofurantoin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of nitrofurantoin (Furadantin)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

  • diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
  • shortness of breath, running out of breath easily;
  • fever, chills, cough, chest pain;
  • nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
  • pale skin, easy bruising, confusion or weakness;
  • numbness or tingling; or
  • headache, ringing in your ears, dizziness, vision problems, pain behind your eyes;

Less serious side effects may include:

  • rust-colored or brownish urine;
  • headache;
  • upset stomach, vomiting;
  • bloating or gas, constipation;
  • feeling dizzy or drowsy;
  • blurred vision; or
  • vaginal itching or discharge.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about nitrofurantoin (Furadantin)?

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as: feeling short of breath (even with mild exertion), fever, chills, cough, chest pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes; pale skin, unusual weakness, numbness or tingling, or diarrhea that is watery or bloody.

Avoid using antacids without your doctor's advice. Use only the specific type of antacid your doctor recommends. Antacids contain different medicines and some types can make it harder for your body to absorb nitrofurantoin.

Take this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Nitrofurantoin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Take nitrofurantoin with food or milk.

Related Drug Centers
  • Macrobid
  • Macrodantin
  • Furadantin


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