Generic
Nitrofurantoin + Nitrofurantoin Microcrystals
1 brands available in the market
At a glance
Nitrofurantoin + Nitrofurantoin Microcrystals is a combination used for treatment and prophylaxis of acute or recurrent uncomplicated lower urinary tract infections and pyelitis.
Description
Each capsule contains two forms of nitrofurantoin - 25% macrocrystalline nitrofurantoin (slower dissolution and absorption) and 75% nitrofurantoin monohydrate (forms gel matrix releasing nitrofurantoin over time). Bioavailability is increased by approximately 40% when administered with food.
Indications
- Acute or recurrent uncomplicated lower urinary tract infections
- Pyelitis (including following surgical procedures)
- Genito-urinary surgical prophylaxis
Therapeutic class
Systemic Urinary Anti-infective
Pharmacological class
Modified-Release Nitrofurantoin
Pharmacology
Nitrofurantoin interferes with cell metabolism and cell wall synthesis by inhibiting several enzyme systems including acetyl coenzyme A. The combination of macrocrystal and monohydrate provides prolonged action and improved GI tolerability.
Mechanism of action
Treats urinary tract infections by inhibiting bacterial cell metabolism.
Dosage
Adults and Children >12 years:
- Acute or recurrent UTI: 100 mg twice daily for 7 days
- Surgical prophylaxis: 100 mg twice daily on day of procedure and for 3 days after
Children (3 months+):
- Acute UTI: 3 mg/kg/day in 4 divided doses for 7 days
- Long-term suppression: 1 mg/kg/day once daily
Administration
- Take with food (increases absorption and GI tolerability)
- Swallow capsule whole
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember; skip if it's almost time for next dose; do not double the dose.
Side effects
Side Effects:
- Nausea, anorexia
- Acute pulmonary reactions (fever, chills, cough, dyspnoea)
- Subacute and chronic pulmonary reactions
- Hepatic reactions (cholestatic jaundice, chronic active hepatitis)
- Peripheral neuropathy (including optic neuritis)
Precautions & warnings
- Discontinue at first sign of pulmonary, hepatic or neurological reactions
- Peripheral neuropathy may become severe or irreversible
- Chronic pulmonary reactions may occur more commonly in elderly
- Discontinue at any sign of haemolysis in G6PD deficiency
Contraindications
- Renal dysfunction (CrCl <60 mL/min or elevated serum creatinine)
- Infants under 3 months
- Pregnant patients at term (during labour and delivery)
- Hypersensitivity
Drug interactions
- Increased absorption with food or agents delaying gastric emptying
- Decreased absorption with magnesium trisilicate
- Decreased renal excretion with probenecid and sulphinpyrazone
- Anti-bacterial antagonism with quinolone anti-infectives
Food interactions
Take with food increases absorption by approximately 40%.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: Nitrofurantoin has shown no teratogenic effects; safety in human pregnancy well documented; however contraindicated during labour and delivery.
Pregnancy Category: B — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Nitrofurantoin is detected in trace amounts in breast milk; caution in G6PD deficiency.
Pediatric use
Contraindicated in infants under 3 months; dose established for >3 months.
Geriatric use
Provided no significant renal impairment, dosage same as normal adult.
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Contraindicated in CrCl <60 mL/min.
Hepatic Impairment: Caution in hepatic dysfunction; discontinue at first sign of hepatotoxicity.
Overdose effects
Overdose: Gastric irritation, nausea and vomiting; emesis or gastric lavage; haemodialysis possible.
Storage conditions
Store in a cool and dry place, protected from light; keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Nitrofurantoin + Microcrystals