Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common bacterial infections affecting the urinary system. UTIs are a significant health concern in the United States, with millions of cases reported yearly. They can cause discomfort and lead to complications if left untreated.
One effective medication for treating UTIs is Nitrofurantoin. It is a commonly prescribed antibiotic that works specifically against bacteria in the urinary tract. Nitrofurantoin is often recommended as a first-line treatment due to its effectiveness in combating UTI symptoms and preventing recurrence.
The proper diagnosis and guidance are needed on using Nitrofurantoin or other antibiotic medications for UTI treatment.
What is Nitrofurantoin?
Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid) is a generic medication used to treat bacterial infections in the urinary tract and cystitis (bladder infection). It is recommended that first-line treatment therapy be used for lower urinary tract infections. As per the study, Nitrofurantoin shows positive results in uncomplicated urinary tract infections. It is used to treat active UTIs or prevent recurring UTIs. The medication cannot treat viral, fungal, and sexually transmitted infections. Macrobid is the brand name of Nitrofurantoin, and it belongs to an antibiotic drug class. FDA approved it in 1953.
Before Taking Nitrofurantoin For UTI
You should follow the below guidelines before consuming Nitrofurantoin:
- Perform the antibiotic susceptibility test(AST) to check whether bacteria, viruses, or fungi cause the infections.
- It is necessary to keep your medical condition, medical history, and allergies in mind.
- Avoid the usage of other antibiotics, antacids, and supplements.
- The medication should be avoided in newborn babies younger than one month.
- Children and Adults can use this medication but need to take medical advice.
- Diabetic people and older adults older than 65 years have a risk of using these medications.
- People suffering from severe kidney problems or liver disease should avoid this medication.
- People suffering from blood disorders need to be careful while consuming it.
- The medication is not safe for pregnant women experiencing the last 2 to 4 weeks of pregnancy as they can try other options for UTIs.
- The breastfeeding mother should know the risks of using this medication.
- The medication passes through breast milk, which can harm your nursing baby.
How To Take Nitrofurantoin For UTI?
Below are some conditions you need to follow while consuming Nitrofurantoin:
- You should take the medication as prescribed and swallow the whole tablet with water; don’t chew or break it.
- You can consume the tablet with or without food, but it is best to take the pill with a meal that helps your body absorb the medicine.
- The liquid medication is usually given to children and should be adequately measured, provided a medication cap.
- Drink plenty of water after consuming the drug.
- Avoid the combination of drugs with Nitrofurantoin.
- One should complete the entire medication course, or the infection will occur again.
Forms and strengths
- capsule: 25, 50, 100
- Liquid suspension: 25mg, 5ml
Dosage For Treatment of Urinary Tract Infections
The recommended dosage for UTI is either 100 mg tablets twice a day or 50 mg taken four times a day.
Is Nitrofurantoin Good for UTI?
Nitrofurantoin is the best antibiotic for treating UTIs as it kills E. coli and other bacteria that lead to infection in the urinary tract. Cystitis can be treated within 48-72 hours after starting the treatment. It is a better treatment for uncomplicated UTIs.
How Long Does Nitrofurantoin Take to Work on a UTI?
When using Nitrofurantoin to treat a urinary tract infection (UTI), the time it takes to work correctly might vary. Generally, Nitrofurantoin takes effect within a few hours to a few days after starting the treatment. It is essential to complete the entire course of prescribed Nitrofurantoin, even if symptoms begin to improve, to ensure the complete eradication of the infection.
The exact duration for Nitrofurantoin to work on a UTI depends on various factors, such as the severity of the infection, the individual’s overall health, and the specific strain of bacteria causing the infection. While some individuals may experience relief from symptoms within a few days, it is not uncommon for Nitrofurantoin treatment to last 5 to 7 days or even longer. It is essential to follow the prescribed dosage and duration advised by a healthcare professional to maximize the effectiveness of Nitrofurantoin in treating UTIs. If symptoms persist or worsen during or after therapy, it is critical to seek further assessment and counseling from a healthcare expert.
Nitrofurantoin For UTI: How Long To Feel Better?
Usually, the treatment consists of 7 to 10 days, depending on the type of infection and symptoms an individual suffers. After taking Nitrofurantoin, you will feel relief after 2 or 3 days and feel better within 4 to 5 days.
What If Nitrofurantoin Doesn’t Work For UTI?
Suppose Macrobid doesn’t work for UTIs because the infection may be more severe, and the bacteria might resist the antibiotic. You must perform a urine test again to check which type of bacteria leads to such infection. You should try another treatment method instead of using Macrobid.
Nitrofurantoin Side Effects
Listed below are some side effects. The symptoms may develop within a few days of treatment. More extended use of this medication for more than six months may lead to severe side effects.
Common side effects:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea
- Upset stomach
- Headache
- Rash and itching
- Dark yellow or brown color urine
Severe side effects:
- Lung problem: Trouble breathing, persistent cough, chest pain, joint or muscle pain.
- Liver problem: Yellowing of skin and eyes, unusual fatigue.
- Intestinal problem: Diarrhea, cramping blood, mucus in stool, stomach pain.
- Vaginal yeast infection: White spots in the mouth, change in vaginal discharge.
- Allergic infection: Itching, swelling of face, tongue, or throat.
Are There Any Alternatives?
As antibiotics deal with bacterial infections, you must know the best antibiotics to help you. We have selected the top 8 antibiotics to treat UTIs, according to drugs.com user reviews. User reviews play a vital role in creating a trust factor in medicine, but every drug has the best results. You can get advice on any medication from the doctor that will benefit your benefit. Every medicine acts differently according to the body type, so look at your kind of medicine.
Some alternative antibiotics commonly used to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs):
- Levofloxacin (Levaquin): This fluoroquinolone antibiotic is efficient against a wide variety of bacteria, and Levofloxacin is used to treat complex urinary tract infections.
- Amoxicillin-clavulanate (Augmentin): Effective against various bacteria causing UTIs, it is often given for recurring or complex UTIs. Read how effective amoxicillin is for uti.
- Doxycycline (Vibramycin-D, Efracea, Periostat): This tetracycline antibiotic may be used to treat urinary tract infections caused by susceptible bacteria, especially in those who are allergic to other antibiotics. You can also read doxycycline for uti.
- Cephalexin (Keflex): Occasionally used for UTIs caused by susceptible bacteria, especially in individuals allergic to other antibiotics. Read more about cephalexin for uti
- Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX or Bactrim): Commonly used for uncomplicated UTIs caused by susceptible bacteria.
- Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) and Levofloxacin (Levaquin): These fluoroquinolone antibiotics are used for simple and complex UTIs caused by susceptible bacteria.
- Ceftriaxone (Rocephin): Frequently used for severe UTIs caused by resistant bacteria or in individuals with other medical conditions.
- Fosfomycin: Administered as a single-dose therapy for uncomplicated UTIs caused by susceptible bacteria.
- Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid): Widely used to treat simple UTIs, especially in women, and effective against many UTI-causing bacteria.
It’s important to note that the preference for antibiotics and treatment duration may vary depending on the specific case. Completing the course of treatment is crucial, even if symptoms improve, to ensure complete eradication of the infection and prevent antibiotic resistance from growing.
Final Words From AzDrug
Nitrofurantoin is a potent antibiotic to treat bacterial infections in the urinary tract. You should follow the precautions properly to observe the recovery. It takes 3-4 days to work on UTI, which may reduce the symptoms, and you will feel relief. As it takes more time, it can treat UTIs.You should consume the prescribed amount of medication. You can replace the drug with other available alternatives.