Nitrofurantoin Capsules

Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic for UTIs (urinary tract infections) like cystitis, a bladder infection. It is commonly sold under the brand name MacroBID, manufactured by Mercury Pharma. It works quickly to resolve UTI symptoms and prevent them from returning.

For over 50 years, Nitrofurantoin has been a widely used and trusted UTI antibiotic worldwide. It remains one of the best antibiotics for UTIs in females, especially offering fast relief and preventing future infections.

If you experience cystitis, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Untreated cystitis may spread to the kidneys and cause a kidney infection.

At euroClinix, we prescribe Nitrofurantoin 100 mg modified-release capsules specifically for cystitis in females.

Nitrofurantoin works by damaging bacteria’s genetic material, preventing it from growing and ultimately killing it. It is especially effective against Escherichia coli (E. coli) - the bacteria most commonly responsible for cystitis.

The modified-release formulation releases the active substance gradually over time. This maintains a steady level in your bloodstream, which is then filtered into your urine.

Once absorbed in urine, it passes through your urinary tract when you go to the toilet. This delivers the medicine directly where it’s needed, killing the bacteria in your urinary tract. Your symptoms should clear up after 3 days of daily treatment, but it can take up to a week.

Taking this UTI medicine offers many health benefits:

Key benefits of Nitrofurantoin

Targets the infection directly

Works where it's needed- in your urinary tract.

Fast cystitis relief

Most people feel better within a few days of starting treatment.

Lower risk of antibiotic resistance

Because it works in the urinary tract, it is less likely to contribute to antibiotic resistance than cystitis treatments that act in the gut.

Short and simple treatment

Most cases of cystitis require only 3 days of treatment.

Clinical studies have found Nitrofurantoin to be a very effective treatment for cystitis in women.

One study involving 338 women aged 18-45 years compared Nitrofurantoin with another antibiotic medicine, Trimethoprim, in the treatment of uncomplicated cystitis.

Nitrofurantoin was found to be highly effective, with a clinical cure success rate of 84% compared to 79% for Trimethoprim.

In your online consultation with euroClinix, one of our doctors will be able to determine whether or not this medicine is safe for you.

Who can take it?

To be prescribed this treatment online, you must be:

• A woman*
• Over 18 years old
• Suffering from cystitis

*While men can take Nitrofurantoin, it cannot be prescribed to them online. This is because UTI symptoms in men are often more serious and must be discussed with a GP.

Who cannot take it?

Do not take this medicine if you:

• Are allergic to Nitrofurantoin or similar medicines
• Have kidney disease
• Are in the final stages of pregnancy
• Have porphyria (a blood disorder)
• You are deficient in an enzyme called G6PD, or are breastfeeding a baby with this deficiency

Cautions

In addition to the things just mentioned above, there are some conditions that require one of our doctors to determine the safety of treatment. Tell us if you:

• Have a history of allergic reactions
• Have diabetes
• Are suffering from any illness causing severe weakness
• Have anaemia (a blood disorder)
• Have kidney or liver problems
• Have a lung or nervous system disease

Please disclose your health status during your online consultation with euroClinix. Our medical team will evaluate whether this treatment is suitable for you and may adjust your medications if needed.

To use your capsules correctly, follow the dosage and treatment course our medical team prescribes. This ensures the drug's effectiveness and helps avoid side effects.

When taking your capsules, make sure to swallow them whole with a glass of water and food. Always take your capsules with a meal to avoid stomach upset and help with absorption.

Dosage

This is the recommended Nitrofurantoin dosage only; yours may differ. Always follow your doctor's instructions on how to take your medicine.

When do I take it?

You should spread out your capsules throughout the day to ensure there is a steady flow of the active ingredient in your blood at all times.

• When taking capsules once a day- leave 24 hours between doses at a time that works best for you.
• When taking capsules twice a day- leave 12 hours between doses. A good dosage schedule would be one capsule at 8 am, and the other at 8 pm.
• When taking capsules 4 times a day- leave 4 hours in between doses. For example: at 8 am, 12 pm, 4 pm, and 8 pm.

If you forget to take a capsule, but it is within a few hours of the scheduled time, then take the forgotten dose as soon as possible and your next one at the usual time.

If it is within a few hours of your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next one at the usual time.

Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Nitrofurantoin should begin to reduce UTI symptoms within 1-2 days. During this time, the bacteria causing your infection will cease to replicate, and eventually die.

The recommended course for cystitis is 3 days, but your outbreak may persist past this time. Always complete the full course prescribed, even if your symptoms are gone, or you risk your infection coming back with increased antibiotic resistance. Talk to your doctor if your symptoms don't improve or if they worsen during treatment.

While effective on its own, making some changes to your lifestyle can support treatment and increase effectiveness.

Lifestyle guide for Nitrofurantoin users

Maintain a healthy diet

Although Nitrofurantoin is gentler on the gut than most other antibiotics, it can still impact your microbiome. During treatment, focus on foods that promote gut health, such as fibre-rich vegetables and whole grains.

Avoid certain foods

Some foods may worsen symptoms of cystitis. Foods to avoid while taking Nitrofurantoin include spicy foods, citrus fruits, and sugary beverages.

Stay hydrated

Drink plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated helps your body fight infection and allows the medicine to pass through your urine more effectively.

Get enough rest

A well-rested body is far better at fighting infection and staying healthy. Prioritise sleep and avoid overexerting yourself during treatment.

Practice safe sex

Avoid sexual intercourse if possible, as it can complicate UTIs further. If you do have sex, urinate afterwards to help flush out bacteria.

Wear appropriate clothing

Avoid tight underwear. Moisture and air trapped between fabric and skin can cause bacteria to develop, potentially complicating your infection.

Always consult with your healthcare provider before making significant lifestyle changes during medication.

The best foods for gut health are fibre-rich foods like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans and legumes, or fermented foods like yoghurts, kefir, and kimchi.

Silvia Fonda Nutritionist

The most common side effect of Nitrofurantoin is that it may cause your urine to turn dark yellow or brownish. This is normal and not a cause for concern. Your urine will return to its normal colour once you stop treatment.

Other side effects of Nitrofurantoin rarely happen, but it’s important to inform your doctor if they do. Report any side effects, including the following:

Rare side effects

Side effects with an unknown frequency

Serious side effects

Nitrofurantoin side effects in the elderly are more likely to be serious. Talk with your doctor about the risks of taking this medicine if you are over the age of 65.

For more detailed information, please refer to the patient information leaflet.

How to manage side effects

Most side effects can be eased by taking your capsules with food and a glass of water. Staying hydrated and well-fed will line your stomach and can reduce side effects like nausea and headache.

Unlike some antibiotics, Nitrofurantoin is generally not affected by dairy products, so you can take your capsules with food or milk to reduce side effects like nausea. However, if you experience serious side effects like fever or skin discolouration, stop taking it immediately and seek medical help.

Dr. Caroline Fontana Lead Prescribing Doctor

Most Nitrofurantoin side effects don’t last for long. If they persist or become unmanageable, speak with your doctor for personalised advice.

Some medicines may affect how Nitrofurantoin works or vice versa. Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including the following:

Impacts absorption and effectiveness

• Antacids for indigestion (e.g., magnesium trisilicate)
• Medicines that slow stomach emptying (e.g., atropine, hyoscine)
• Quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin)
• Typhoid vaccine

Increases the risk of side effects

• Medicines for gout (e.g., probenecid, sulfinpyrazone)
• Medicines that make urine less acidic (e.g., potassium citrate mixture)
• Medicines for glaucoma (e.g., acetazolamide)

It can also cause false positives in urine tests for glucose. Consult your doctor if you plan to take this test.

This list does not cover all possible interactions. For a comprehensive list, please visit the interactions checker on the BNF website.

Follow these guidelines to safely store your medicine:

• Store below 30°C in the original packaging
• Keep away from direct heat and moisture
• Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children
• Do not use this medicine after the expiry date

Disposal

Do not throw away medicines via wastewater or household waste.

Take any unused medication to your local pharmacy for proper disposal. These measures help to protect the environment.

No, Nitrofurantoin is a prescription-only medication. You need a valid prescription from a healthcare professional to purchase it. This ensures the medication is safe and suitable for your needs.

You can receive an online prescription from euroClinix.

Ordering Nitrofurantoin online from euroClinix is convenient.

Follow these simple steps:

1. Complete a quick online consultation to check your eligibility.
2. UK-registered doctors review your responses to ensure the medication is right for you.
3. Upon approval, an e-prescription will be issued.
4. Enjoy free delivery from our licensed pharmacy with tracking details.

Your privacy is our top priority. euroClinix uses secure, encrypted transactions and complies with UK medical standards to keep your information confidential.

Start your online consultation today to enjoy professional care from the comfort of your home.

euroClinix is trusted by thousands of users in the UK for its safe and convenient service. Here’s why:

• Experienced doctors manage your consultations and prescriptions.
• Online consultations, swift approvals, and discreet doorstep delivery make ordering quick and convenient.
• A supportive team is on hand to answer treatment-related questions or concerns.
• Patients can manage their prescriptions hassle-free through our secure platform.

Join thousands who trust euroClinix for their healthcare needs and take control of your health today.

The price of Nitrofurantoin at euroClinix includes everything you need:

• Free online consultation with our experienced doctors
• Free prescription, if approved
• Free delivery straight to your door

Our pricing is transparent, with no hidden fees. Order today and benefit from our complete, all-inclusive service.

Nitrofurantoin is typically the first-choice UTI medicine due to lower resistance rates. However, Trimethoprim may be prescribed if you have a UTI sensitive to it or if you are allergic to Nitrofurantoin. Check the table below to see how the two compare.

After researching your options, complete an online consultation at the top of this page. Our licensed medical team can then review your consultation and write you a prescription if you are eligible.