💊 Nitrofurantoin 100 mg Tablet

Targeted Antibiotic for Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

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🔍 Overview

Nitrofurantoin 100 mg Tablet is an antibacterial medication primarily used to treat and prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by susceptible bacteria. It is particularly effective in lower urinary tract infections (such as cystitis) and works by interfering with bacterial enzyme systems, which prevents bacterial growth and replication.

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💡 Active Ingredient & Mechanism

• Nitrofurantoin 100 mg
  This medication is a nitrofuran-class antibiotic. It damages bacterial DNA, ribosomal proteins, and other macromolecules by generating reactive intermediates inside the bacteria. This action kills or inhibits the growth of infection-causing organisms in the urinary tract.

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📌 How to Use

• Dosage:

  • For treatment: 100 mg twice daily for 5–7 days (macrobid)

  • For prophylaxis: 50–100 mg once daily at bedtime (under physician guidance)

• Administration:

  • Take with food or milk to enhance absorption and reduce stomach upset

  • Swallow whole with a glass of water

  • Maintain adequate fluid intake to ensure urine flow

• Important: Do not use for kidney infections (pyelonephritis) or systemic infections, as it concentrates only in the urine.

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✅ Common Indications

• Acute uncomplicated cystitis (UTI) in women

• Recurrent UTI prevention

• Short-term prophylaxis before or after urinary procedures

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⚠️ Common Side Effects

• Nausea or vomiting

• Loss of appetite

• Diarrhea

• Headache

• Dizziness

• Mild urine discoloration (brown) – harmless

These side effects are typically mild and resolve as the body adjusts.

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🚨 Serious Side Effects (Rare but Serious)

• Pulmonary reactions: shortness of breath, cough, fever (may occur acutely or with long-term use)

• Peripheral neuropathy: numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness (especially in patients with diabetes or kidney disease)

• Liver toxicity: yellowing of skin/eyes, dark urine, fatigue

• Severe allergic reactions: rash, swelling, itching, difficulty breathing

• Blood disorders: anemia, leukopenia (rare)

Stop the medication and seek immediate medical attention if these symptoms appear.

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🩺 Monitoring & Follow-Up

• Before starting:

  • Assess renal function (eGFR should generally be >60 mL/min)

  • Confirm the infection is limited to lower urinary tract

• During treatment:

  • Monitor for side effects, particularly in long-term use

  • Check liver function tests if used for more than 6 months

  • Periodic blood counts may be required for chronic use

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⚠️ Warnings & Precautions

• Renal impairment: Not recommended if kidney function is severely reduced

• Pregnancy: Avoid in the last trimester due to risk of hemolytic anemia in newborns

• Pediatrics: Generally not recommended for infants under 1 month

• Elderly: Increased risk of pulmonary or hepatic reactions

• Long-term use: Use only under close medical supervision to avoid chronic toxicity

• May cause false-positive glucose tests in urine (Clinitest users)

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📝 Summary

Nitrofurantoin 100 mg Tablet is a well-established antibiotic for treating uncomplicated urinary tract infections, particularly in women. With proper usage, it offers effective symptom relief and bacterial eradication. It should always be taken with food, and patients must stay well-hydrated throughout the treatment.

Always follow your doctor’s advice, dosage instructions, and never self-medicate.