Nitrofurantoin

Drug #519

Nitrofurantoin is a semisynthetic antibacterial agent effective as bacteriocidal and bacteriostatic against many gram negative and gram positive organisms, including Escheria coli, Staphylococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus pyogenes, Aerobacter aerogenes and Paracolobactrum species. It belongs to a urinary antiseptic that exert antibacterial activity in the urine but have little or no systemic antibacterial effect. Nitrofurantoin is administered orally. Chemically Nitrofurantoin is 1-[[(5-nitro-2-furanyl)methylene]-amino]-2, 4-imidazoilinedione.

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Primary Characteristics

It is of Semi Synthetic origin and belongs to Furafural.

It belongs to Antibiotic (Prokaryote DNA) pharmacological group on the basis of mechanism of action.

Molecular Weight: 238.2 · pK_a: 7.0 · Solubility in Water: 1 in 440 · Solubility in Alcohol: 1 in 1960 · Non-proprietary name: Nitrofurantoin.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Nitrofurantoin has an oral bioavailability is 95%, pre-systemic (first-pass) metabolism accounts for 0.5% (±0.5%).

Distribution: Nitrofurantoin has a volume of distribution is 0.61 kg-1. plasma protein binding is 68.5%.

Elimination: it is metabolised via Hepatic, plasma half-life is 0.75 hr, renal excretion is major.

Indications

Nitrofurantoin is primarily indicated in conditions like Muscle relaxation (long duration) for surgery and intubation, Prophylaxis of UTI, Uncomplicated UTIs, Urinary tract infection.

Contraindications

None recorded.

Dosage

Nitrofurantoin's dosage details are as follows:

Dose	Single Dose	Frequency	Route	Instructions
Adult Dosage
50 – 100 mg	—	Every 6h	PO	For 7 to 10 days with food or milk.
Paediatric Dosage (20kg)
1 mg/kg	1 mg/kg	—	Oral	For prophylactic treatment
3 mg/kg	3 mg/kg	Every 6h	Oral
Neonatal Dosage (3kg)
2.5 mg/kg	2.5 mg/kg	Every 6h	Oral	Not recommended below 1 month of child

Drug Interactions

Unknown10 interactions

1 interaction

Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.

Side Effects

Nitrofurantoin in overdosage may give rise to further complications which include Neuropathy .

Nitrofurantoin produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Hemolytic anemia, Hepatitis , Pulmonary disease. Careful monitoring is needed with proper medical management.

The signs and symptoms that are produced after acute overdosage of Nitrofurantoin are Vomiting.

Nitrofurantoin is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Abdominal pain, Angioedema, Anorexia , Drug fever, GI hemorrhage, Nausea, Serum sickness, Skin reactions, Vasculitis.

Warnings / Precautions

Nitrofurantoin should be used with caution in patients with allergies (drug allergies), kidney, liver or lungs diseases, nerve disorders (peripheral neuropathy), anemia, diabetes or eye problems (optic neuritis). Avoid prolong or repeated use, because use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in a secondary infection (e.g.oral, bladder or vaginal yeast infection). Avoid use of this drug in infants less than 1 month old, caution is advised for use in children less than 12 years old. Avoid use during pregnancy or lactation.

Interference in Pathology

Nitrofurantoin may interfere in the diagnosis of False +ve Clintest Test , Decreased Value of Urinary Alkaline Phosphatase Test , Decreased Value of Urinary Lactic Dehydrogenase , Urinary pH Test , Bilirubin and Icteric Index , Urinary Color Test , False +ve Benedict's Test .

Available Brands

Click on a strength to view available brands.

Single Ingredient

Tabs

100 mg 50 mg

Storage Conditions

Nitrofurantoin should be stored Tab.

Drug Classification

1.6.2.2.2 — Quinolones

Manufacturers

Manufacturers of Nitrofurantoin in Pakistan:

Ferozson Geofman GSK