Affordable price for Nitrofurantoin | Learn more - in the UK

Overview

• Active substance: nitrofurantoin.
• Common preparations in the UK: 50 mg and 100 mg immediate release tablets or capsules, and 100 mg modified release preparations used for adults.
• Clinical role: oral antimicrobial mainly for lower urinary tract infections.

If you want to jump to multiple options, follow the link to Backup options and associated a further options. For typical private costs in Great Britain, see UK price level estimates. To check how it can lawfully be supplied, read The status of legality of the UK and its supply.

Hints of developments and limitations

Nitrofurantoin is indicated for the treatment, and sometimes prevention, of uncomplicated lower urinary tract infections such as cystitis caused by susceptible organisms. It concentrates in urine together with therefore achieves therapeutic levels in the bladder rather than in blood or deep tissues.

Because of this urinary concentration, nitrofurantoin is not suitable for kidney infections, prostatitis, or other systemic bacterial infections. Use for prophylaxis of recurrent UTIs may be appropriate in selected patients under clinical supervision. People with urinary catheters, men, pregnant people, and those with other complicating conditions usually require individual assessment and may be given different agents or dosing schedules. Review observation and tracking and cautions under Safety health monitoring systems.

How the drug nitrofurantoin works

After oral intake, the medicine is rapidly excreted into the urine where it reaches concentrations that inhibit or kill susceptible bacteria. It interferes with bacterial enzymes and damages microbial genetic material and metabolic pathways, leading to bacterial death or growth arrest in the urinary tract.

Symptoms often start to improve within 24 to 48 hours, but it is important to complete the full prescribed course. If symptoms worsen or you develop fever, flank pain, vomiting, or other signs suggesting a more serious infection, contact a clinician promptly as a different treatment may be required.

The patient is taking nitrofurantoin.

• Follow the dose and duration your prescriber specifies and finish the entire course.
• Take doses with food or milk to improve absorption and reduce stomach upset.
• Keep well hydrated unless told otherwise by your clinician.
• Avoid using antacids that contain magnesium trisilicate close to the time you take nitrofurantoin; speak with a pharmacist about plan B routes.

Typical adult regimens in UK practice for acute uncomplicated cystitis often use 100 mg modified release twice daily for 3 days in non-pregnant women. Men and other higher risk groups may be prescribed longer courses, for example 5 to 7 days, depending on the clinical scenario. Your prescriber will choose the most appropriate regimen for you. For the dose was skippeds, refer to the instructions. Doses you skipped.

When nitrofurantoin is used long term for prevention, clinicians may recommend periodic checks of kidney, liver and lung function. See Continuous safety status monitoring details to follow.

Doses that were missed

• Do not double up by taking two doses at once to make up for a skipped a dose.
• If you are close to the time for the next dose, skip the not taking my dose and continue the usual schedule.
• If you remember not long after the missed time, take the missed dose then and carry on as normal.
• When in doubtplease audit this. with your pharmacist or prescriber for specific advice.

Tips for cold storage is used for long term preservation of rare items.

• Keep this item out of the reach and line of sight of children and pets.
• Store at normal room temperatures, about 15 to 30 degrees C (59 to 86 degrees F).
• Keep the product dry and avoid exposure to excess heat or direct sunlight; do not store in bathrooms.

Interactions among users between medications

• Urine alkalinisers such as potassium citrate or sodium bicarbonate can increase urinary pH and may reduce nitrofurantoin activity.
• Drugs like probenecid or sulfinpyrazone may alter blood and urinary concentrationspossible outcomely reducing effectiveness or increasing negative health impacts.
• Check with a pharmacist before starting or stopping any prescription, over the counter medicine, herbal product, or supplement while taking nitrofurantoin.

This list does not include everything. If you have a complex medication regimen, request a personalised review from your prescriber or pharmacist. Please also consult the advice under Nitrofurantoin use is underway. about antacids.

Safety hazard alerts and advisories with system monitoring

Important reasons not to use nitrofurantoin

• If you are allergic to nitrofurantoin or any ingredient in the product.
• At term in pregnancy (about 38 to 42 weeks), during labour, or when labour is imminent.
• If you have severely impaired kidney function or markedly reduced urine output.
• If you have previously developed jaundice or liver injury linked to nitrofurantoin.
• In infants under 1 month of age.

Talk to your clinician before use if you have

• Pregnant, with a plan to conceive, or breastfeeding.
• A history of drug allergies.
• Kidney or liver disease, diabetes, anemia, G6PD deficiency, peripheral neuropathy, porphyria, or low vitamin B levels.
• Previous or current lung disease such as interstitial pneumonitis or pulmonary fibrosis.
• Frailty or multiple long term medical conditions.

Main alerts

• Yawning and lightheaded can occur. Refrain from driving or operating machinery until you are aware of how the medication affects you. Beverage with ethanol or other sedating medicines can increase these effects.
• Seldom but serious. lung reactions have been reported, some fatal, especially with prolonged courses. Go to the nearest emergency room for fever, chills, chest pain, breathlessness, or a persistent cough.
• Severe liver injury is uncommon but possible. Get urgent attention for yellowing of the skin or eyes, pale stools, persistent nausea, loss of appetite, or upper abdominal pain.
• Peripheral neuropathy risk is higher in people with poor kidney function, anemia, diabetes, electrolyte disturbances, or low vitamin B. Report new numbness, tingling, or burning sensations promptly.
• Antibiotic associated diarrhea, including Clostridioides difficile infection, can be serious. Seek medical advice for severe, persistent, or bloody diarrhea.
• Urine may become yellow brown during treatment; this is usually harmless.
• Nitrofurantoin treats bacterial infections only and will not help viral illnesses.
• Surveillance of kidney, liver and lung function may be advised for people on prolonged prophylactic therapy.
• Older adults appear more susceptible to serious lung and liver adverse events and should be prescribed with caution.
• Many Code of guidance for the United Kingdom documents recommend avoiding routine use when estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is below around 45 mL/min, though short courses may be considered in some cases on specialist advice.

Prenatal period and breastfeeding

• If you discover you are pregnant while taking nitrofurantoin, speak with your healthcare professional to balance risks and benefits.
• Do not use at term or during labour as stated above.
• Nitrofurantoin passes into breast milk. It is not recommended for infants under one month. For older infants discuss risks and benefits in partnership with your clinician.

Right before starting treatment review the supply routes described in The United Kingdom's legal status and supply the means by which it workss and gauge untapped potential drug the dynamic of social contact considerations.

Possible effects on your body

The majority of people tolerate nitrofurantoin without significant problems. Some may experience mild and transient symptoms.

Prevailing and mild

• Headache symptoms or diminished appetite.
• Nausea, wind, or mild diarrhea.

If you have significant undesirable effects, seek urgent care promptly.

• Allergic reactions such as rash, hives, swelling of face, lips or tongue, breathing difficulty, or new hoarseness.
• Severe or prolonged watery diarrhea, blood in stools, or intense abdominal cramps.
• Signs of liver injury: yellowing of eyes or skin, pale stools, ongoing nausea, or upper abdominal pain.
• Fever, chills, chest pain, shortness of breath, or a persistent cough.
• New tingling, numbness, or burning in the hands or feet.
• Severe skin reactions such as blistering, peeling, or redness.
• Marked changes in mood, confusion, severe tiredness, or unusual bruising or bleeding.

This catalog is incomplete. Contact a healthcare professional if you are concerned about any symptom.

Various options and related options

Choice of agent for uncomplicated lower UTI in the UK depends on allergy profile, pregnancy status, kidney function, urine culture results and local resistance patterns. Commonly used an additional choices are presented below.

• Pivmecillinam (for example, Selexid): a penicillin derivative used in parts of Europe and available in the UK in some settings; useful when local susceptibility supports it.
• Fosfomycin trometamol (single 3 g sachet): convenient single dose for uncomplicated cystitis; typically more expensive than nitrofurantoin.
• Trimethoprim: an option in areas with low resistance and when there are no the set of contramarks to this treatment.
• Cefalexin: sometimes selected in pregnancy or where Gram positive organisms are suspected and susceptibility is likely.
• Amoxicillin or co-amoxiclav: used where organisms are known to be susceptible, but routine use is limited by resistance concerns.
• Methenamine hippurate: a urinary antiseptic sometimes used for prevention of recurrent UTIs; effectiveness depends on urine acidity and patient factors and it is not an antibiotic.

Non-antibiotic strategies such as ensuring good hydration, timed voiding, topical vaginal estrogen for postmenopausal women, and in some cases D-mannose may be used alongside medical treatment or as preventive measures. For rough cost comparisons, see the report UK price level estimates. Always follow local guidance and culture results when available.

UK price forecast

Costs vary depending on brand, formulation, pharmacy, pack size, and whether the prescription is through the NHS or private. The figures below are approximate private retail ranges in Great Britain and exclude consultation or dispensing fees.

• Fosfomycin 3 g sachet: around 7 to 20 GBP per dose when bought privately.
• Trimethoprim short course: typically 1 to 6 GBP privately.
• Pivmecillinam short course: roughly 8 to 25 GBP privately, depending on brand and availability.
• Cefalexin short course: about 4 to 12 GBP privately.
• Nitrofurantoin 100 mg modified release for a typical 3 day adult course: approximately 5 to 15 GBP privately; some online providers offer combined consultation and supply bundles in the 15 to 35 GBP range.

On the NHS, prescription charges in England are applied per item (the charge was 9.in the year 2024, 90 GBP. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have free prescription services. Pharmacy First or similar commissioned services may allow pharmacists to assess and supply treatment for uncomplicated female UTI in eligible patients; charges and eligibility follow NHS arrangements or local commissioning rules. For lawful supply, consult UK statutory status and supply.

The status under UK law and supply routes

• Classification: Prescription Only Medicine (POM). It is not available for general sale over the counter.
• How to obtain: by NHS or private prescription from a UK registered prescriber, or under certain Patient Group Directions (PGD) and commissioned Pharmacy First services for defined patient groups.
• Online supply: UK online clinics and pharmacies must be registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council, use UK-registered prescribers, and supply appropriately licensed products.
• Antimicrobial stewardship: use should follow prescriber instructions and local guidelines; inappropriate use can contribute to antibacterial resistance.
• Travel and import: personal import of prescription medicines is restricted. Carry only a personal supply with original labelling alongside the prescribers details when travelling.

If you are unsure about access, speak to your community pharmacist or local prescriber. Before initiating therapy review Uses and restrictions and Security continuous monitoring for safety.

Note of emphasis

The content on this page is intended for general information only and does not replace personalised medical advice. Always follow the specific instructions given by your own healthcare professional and read the patient information leaflet supplied with any medicine.