Nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin, Macrobid)

Category:

• Antibiotic

Description:

• Urinary tract anti-infective

Indications:

• Urinary tract infections (from E. coli, enterococci, S. aureus, and certain Klebsiella, Enterobacter, and Proteus species)

Contraindications:

• Patients with anuria, oliguria or significantly impaired renal function

• Pregnant women at term

• Infants under one month of age

Precautions:

• Pregnancy category B

• Use with caution in patients with G-6-PD deficiency, peripheral neuropathy or pulmonary disease

• Counsel patient to finish all medication

• Take with food to enhance absorption

• May discolor urine

Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

• Chest pain, cough

• Fever, chills

• Gastrointestinal: anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

• Discolored urine

Dosage:

• Administered orally

• Acute infections:

  • Adult: 50-100mg given four times a day with food(around the clock)

  • Children (>1 month old): 5-7mg/kg/day given on four divided doses with food

• Suppressive therapy in adults:

  • 50-100mg at bedtime