Nitrofurantoin + Nitrofurantoin Microcrystals
Indications
Nitrofurantoin (including the microcrystalline form) is used both to treat and to prevent acute or recurrent uncomplicated infections of the lower urinary tract, as well as pyelitis, whether these arise spontaneously or occur after a surgical procedure. It is particularly suited to treating infections caused by susceptible organisms such as *Escherichia coli*, enterococci, staphylococci, *Citrobacter*, *Klebsiella*, and *Enterobacter*.
⚠️ Always consult a registered physician before taking any medicine.
Pharmacology
Each capsule contains two forms of nitrofurantoin. Twenty-five percent is macrocrystalline nitrofurantoin, which dissolves and is absorbed more slowly than nitrofurantoin monohydrate. The remaining 75 percent is nitrofurantoin monohydrate, held in a powder blend that, on contact with gastric and intestinal fluids, forms a gel matrix releasing nitrofurantoin gradually over time. This capsule is highly soluble in urine, which it may turn brown. Taking it with food raises the bioavailability of nitrofurantoin by approximately 40 percent.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Animal studies with Nitrofurantoin have shown no teratogenic effects, and the medicine has been in extensive clinical use since 1952, giving it a well-documented safety record in human pregnancy. It should still be used at the lowest dose appropriate for the specific indication, and only after careful assessment. Nitrofurantoin is contra-indicated in infants under 3 months of age and in pregnant women during labour and delivery, because of the possible risk of haemolysis in the infant's immature red blood cells. Since the drug is detected in trace amounts in breast milk, caution should be exercised when breastfeeding an infant known or suspected to have an erythrocyte enzyme deficiency.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Dosage Reference
⚠️ Reference ranges from official sources only. Consult your doctor for personalized dosing.