Nitrofurantoin

Urinary Tract Infections, Cystitis

Treatment

2 FDA approvals

9 Active Studies for Nitrofurantoin

What is Nitrofurantoin

Nitrofurantoin

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic used to treat urinary tract infections. It works by blocking the bacteria's ability to produce energy, DNA, RNA, and protein. This makes it less likely for the bacteria to develop resistance to the drug. Nitrofurantoin is usually used as a second line treatment after Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole, and was approved by the FDA in 1953.

Furadantin

is the brand name

image of different drug pills on a surface

Nitrofurantoin Overview & Background

Brand Name

Generic Name

First FDA Approval

How many FDA approvals?

Furadantin

Nitrofurantoin

1953

247

Approved as Treatment by the FDA

Nitrofurantoin, otherwise called Furadantin, is approved by the FDA for 2 uses such as Cystitis and Urinary Tract Infections .

Cystitis

Urinary Tract Infections

Effectiveness

How Nitrofurantoin Affects Patients

Nitrofurantoin is a drug that stops bacteria from growing and reproducing, causing them to die. It quickly builds up in the urine, and also quickly leaves the body.

How Nitrofurantoin works in the body

Nitrofurantoin changes when it enters bacteria, becoming an electrically charged molecule that disrupts the bacteria's ability to reproduce and create energy.

When to interrupt dosage

The suggested measure of Nitrofurantoin is contingent upon the diagnosed disorder. The amount of dosage is contingent upon the technique of delivery (e.g. Capsule or Capsule - Oral) featured in the table beneath.

Condition

Dosage

Administration

Urinary Tract Infections

50.0 mg, , 100.0 mg, 25.0 mg, 25.0 mg/mL, 75.0 mg, 105.7 mg, 80.7 mg, 5.0 mg/mL

, Capsule, Oral, Capsule - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet

Cystitis

50.0 mg, , 100.0 mg, 25.0 mg, 25.0 mg/mL, 75.0 mg, 105.7 mg, 80.7 mg, 5.0 mg/mL

, Capsule, Oral, Capsule - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet

Warnings

Nitrofurantoin Contraindications

Condition

Risk Level

Notes

Anuria

Do Not Combine

Pulse Frequency

Do Not Combine

imminent onset of labor

Do Not Combine

Term Birth (Pregnancy)

Do Not Combine

Jaundice, Obstructive

Do Not Combine

Liver Dysfunction

Do Not Combine

Oliguria

Do Not Combine

Parturition

Do Not Combine

Labour

Do Not Combine

There are 20 known major drug interactions with Nitrofurantoin.

Common Nitrofurantoin Drug Interactions

Drug Name

Risk Level

Description

Cinoxacin

Major

The therapeutic efficacy of Cinoxacin can be decreased when used in combination with Nitrofurantoin.

Ciprofloxacin

Major

The therapeutic efficacy of Ciprofloxacin can be decreased when used in combination with Nitrofurantoin.

Delafloxacin

Major

The therapeutic efficacy of Delafloxacin can be decreased when used in combination with Nitrofurantoin.

Difloxacin

Major

The therapeutic efficacy of Difloxacin can be decreased when used in combination with Nitrofurantoin.

Enoxacin

Major

The therapeutic efficacy of Enoxacin can be decreased when used in combination with Nitrofurantoin.

Nitrofurantoin Toxicity & Overdose Risk

Overdosing on nitrofurantoin can result in vomiting. If vomiting has not occurred, it may be induced and fluids should be increased to increase urination. In severe cases, dialysis can be used to remove nitrofurantoin from the bloodstream.

image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Nitrofurantoin Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Nitrofurantoin?

10 active clinical trials are underway to evaluate the potential of Nitrofurantoin in treating Urinary Tract Infection.

Condition

Clinical Trials

Trial Phases

Cystitis

0 Actively Recruiting

Urinary Tract Infections

7 Actively Recruiting

Not Applicable, Phase 4

Nitrofurantoin Reviews: What are patients saying about Nitrofurantoin?

5

Patient Review

7/14/2022

Nitrofurantoin for Bacterial Urinary Tract Infection

I was really worried to take this medicine because of all the bad reviews I had read. But it ended up being completely fine! The only side effect I experienced was a change in my urine color, which is apparently common. Within a day of taking the first dose, I started feeling better and improved each day until I was completely healed by day 5.

4.3

Patient Review

8/25/2022

Nitrofurantoin for Bacterial Urinary Tract Infection

So far, I've had a really great experience with this medication. No negative side effects, and my initial symptoms are gone. I'll continue to take it as directed and see how things go.

4.3

Patient Review

3/26/2022

Nitrofurantoin for Bacterial Urinary Tract Infection

This medication cleared up my UTI quickly and efficiently. However, I did experience some bad stomach cramps and diarrhea on the seventh day.

4.3

Patient Review

7/31/2022

Nitrofurantoin for Bacterial Urinary Tract Infection

I've only got a few days left on this prescription, but it's working well so far. I had some diarrhea the first day, but that could also have been from something else I ate. Mostly I've just been tired, which is to be expected as my body is getting rid of all the bad bacteria. All in all, though, I'm feeling good and haven't had any serious side effects.

4

Patient Review

3/13/2022

Nitrofurantoin for Infection of the Urinary Tract caused by Enterococcus

Nitrofurantoin cleared up my UTI when Amoxycillin didn't work. I also didn't have any problems with side effects, which was great.

3.3

Patient Review

9/26/2022

Nitrofurantoin for Bacterial Urinary Tract Infection

Unfortunately, this medication really bothered my stomach. I felt nauseous and had to lie down until the feeling passed.

2

Patient Review

7/7/2022

Nitrofurantoin for Bacterial Urinary Tract Infection

I got food poisoning after taking the first pill, and then felt nauseous and threw up eight times. I didn't have a UTI, so this medication did nothing for me except make me feel terrible.

1.7

Patient Review

3/25/2022

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection caused by Klebsiella Bacteria

I was prescribed nitrofurantoin after klebsiella bacteria was found in my urine. I started off feeling okay, but by day four I began to experience some serious side effects like bad heart palpitations, numbness, and nausea. I had to stop using the medication immediately.

1.3

Patient Review

10/17/2022

Nitrofurantoin for Bacterial Urinary Tract Infection

I had no symptoms to begin with, but was told I had an infection because there was blood in my urine. I felt sick after taking the first one, and only had to take six total. I persevered, but wish I never would have taken the medication. Amoxicillin normally works well for me, so this experience was very disappointing.

1

Patient Review

3/6/2022

Nitrofurantoin for Bacterial Urinary Tract Infection

Disclaimer: I am NOT a medical professional. After taking the medication as prescribed for three days, I started feeling dizzy and groggy to the point of nonstop dizziness. So, I stopped taking it and did some research online. Turns out, this is a common side effect that can last even after discontinuing use. Needless to say, I'll be finding a new doctor.

1

Patient Review

7/5/2022

Nitrofurantoin for Bacterial Urinary Tract Infection

My daughter was prescribed this over the phone and had a severe reaction. DO NOT TAKE!!!

1

Patient Review

8/25/2022

Nitrofurantoin for Bacterial Urinary Tract Infection

Do not take this antibiotic. It gave me intense abdominal cramps and severe watery diarrhea just a few hours after taking it. I've never had such an extreme reaction to medication in my life.

1

Patient Review

7/17/2022

Nitrofurantoin for Bacterial Urinary Tract Infection

I took the first pill as prescribed, and started to feel a bit off, so I took the second (thinking it was just the infection). Big mistake. I felt incredibly nauseous and sleepy, and ended up in bed. I also got watery diarrhea two days later. This experience was awful, and I have no idea if the UTI is gone or not!
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about nitrofurantoin

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

Is nitrofurantoin a strong antibiotic?

"Nitrofurantoin is just as effective as other long-term antibiotics for preventing recurrent urinary tract infections."

Answered by AI

What infections does nitrofurantoin treat?

"A bladder infection caused by Enterobacter can lead to a urinary tract infection. This can be prevented by infection of the urinary tract caused by Enterococcus. A urinary tract infection due to E. may also be caused by Klebsiella bacteria or Staphylococcus aureus."

Answered by AI

What are the main side effects of nitrofurantoin?

"If you're feeling nauseous, taking nitrofurantoin with or after a meal or snack should help. If you're vomiting, have frequent sips of fluids to avoid dehydration. Diarrhoea, loss of appetite, headaches, dizziness, and feeling sleepy are also potential side effects."

Answered by AI

How quickly does nitrofurantoin work for UTI?

"Your antibiotic should start working to clear your UTI within three to five days, although you may not see all of your symptoms go away until up to a week. Be sure to take the full course of medication prescribed."

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Nitrofurantoin

Image of Children's of Alabama in Birmingham, United States.

Antibiotic Duration for Infections in Children

60 - 17
All Sexes
Birmingham, AL

Infections like pneumonia, skin and soft tissue infection (also called SSTI or cellulitis), and urinary tract infections (UTI) are some of the most common reasons children get admitted to the hospital. All three of these conditions require antibiotics for treatment. Although antibiotics are needed to treat the infection and help children feel better, taking them longer than needed can negatively impact children and their families. Negative impacts include things like the burdens of taking more medications and medication side effects. There are guidelines (instructions) from expert medical organizations that suggest the number of days children need antibiotics, but they give a wide range (between 5 and 14 days). Unfortunately, these guidelines are not based on high-quality studies. National data suggests that doctors often choose on the higher end of this range when writing prescriptions for children in the hospital. Our three caregiver co-investigators, other parents of hospitalized children, doctors, other care providers, and researchers, all believe that additional study is needed to determine the best length of antibiotic treatment that weighs both the benefits and harms of antibiotics. The goal of our study is to understand if 5 total days of antibiotic treatment compared to 10 total days of antibiotic treatment is better for children who have been in the hospital for pneumonia, SSTI, or UTI. We will study this question through a randomized control trial. In other words, half of the children will receive 5-days of antibiotics and the other half will receive 10-days of antibiotics. Children in this study (and their caregivers) will not know how many days of antibiotics they will receive to cure their infection because some children will take a placebo (or a pill without antibiotics in it). Only the pharmacy will know if a child is getting antibiotic or placebo (for days 6-10 of treatment). During the first phase of the trial (feasibility phase), 4 hospitals will enroll children in the study. We plan on enrolling 50 patients during this phase. We are starting with just 4 hospitals, so our study team can create and update our study plans if needed. We will closely review information about how many patients and families agree to participate, and if they have any trouble completing any part of the study. We will also interview families to understand the choice to participate in the study, the choice not to participate in the study, and what it is like to be in the study. During the second study phase, we will enroll 1150 more patients across all 11 hospitals. Families will complete short, daily surveys until the 15th day after they started antibiotics, then a larger survey at day 15, at day 20, and at day 30. These surveys will ask about the child's symptoms and recovery from their illness, how the antibiotics are making them feel, and if they had to go back to their doctor, emergency room, or hospital. The answers to these questions will be combined to measure how well the child did, balancing feeling better and having bad effects from the antibiotics. We will use mathematical tests to determine which antibiotic duration is better for treating these illnesses. We will complete other mathematical tests to see if all children should receive the same length of antibiotics or if certain children should be prescribed shorter courses and others longer courses.

Phase 4
Waitlist Available

Children's of Alabama (+9 Sites)

Sunitha V Kaiser, MD, MSc

Image of Medstar National Rehabilitation Hospital in Washington D.C., United States.

Lactobacillus Crispatus for Urinary Tract Infection

18+
All Sexes
Washington D.C., United States

The goal of this clinical trial is to determine whether Lactobacillus crispatus strains isolated from the lower urinary tracts of adult women can be used as an antibiotic-sparing treatment for urinary symptoms and urinary tract infection (UTI) among adults with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD). The main question\[s\] it aims to answer are: 1. To identify soluble bactericidal compounds produced by urinary isolates of L. crispatus that kill uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC). 2. To determine if intravesical instillation of L. crispatus is safe and well tolerated in adults with NLUTD due to SCI who use intermittent catheterization (IC). If there is a comparison group: Researchers will compare L. Crispatus to standard care saline to see if there is a difference in urinary symptoms and urinary microbiome. Participants will be asked to complete daily symptom surveys, complete 2 bladder instillations, and collect, freeze, and return 14 urine samples.

Phase < 1
Recruiting

Medstar National Rehabilitation Hospital

Suzanne Groah, MD

Image of Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, United States.

Educational Tool for Urinary Tract Infections

18+
All Sexes
Houston, TX

Urine culture is the most common microbiological test in the outpatient setting in the United States. Unfortunately, contamination during collection is prevalent and undermines test accuracy, leading to incorrect diagnosis, unnecessary treatment, wasted laboratory resources, and inflated costs. Unnecessary antibiotic treatment increases the risk of developing antimicrobial resistance, one of the most serious threats to patients and public health. The goal of this clinical trial is to test whether a bilingual (English and Spanish) educational intervention, an animated video and pictorial flyer, can reduce urine culture contamination and associated inappropriate antibiotic use in adult patients visiting safety-net primary care clinics. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Does providing patients with a bilingual educational intervention reduce urine culture contamination rates? 2. Does the intervention lead to fewer unnecessary urinary antibiotic prescriptions? 3. Does providing patients with a bilingual educational intervention reduce contaminated urinalyses? Researchers will compare patients randomized to receive the educational intervention (video and flyer) to those receiving usual care to see if the intervention improves urine collection accuracy and reduces inappropriate antibiotic use. Participants will watch a short, animated video with step-by-step instructions for proper midstream clean-catch urine (MSCC) collection, receive a pictorial flyer (with stills from the video) reinforcing the instructions, and provide a urine sample for culture. Hypothesis: patients who receive the educational intervention will have: lower urine culture contamination rates (primary outcome), fewer urinary antibiotic prescriptions (secondary outcome), and fewer contaminated urinalyses (secondary outcome). The objectives are to (1) develop educational tools: Create an animated video and pictorial flyer with step-by-step urine collection instructions for women and men, developed through an iterative, stakeholder-engaged process, (2) assess acceptability: Use mixed methods (quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews) to evaluate and refine the tools for usability and cultural/linguistic appropriateness, and (3) test effectiveness: Conduct a randomized controlled trial to assess the intervention's impact on urine contamination rates, antibiotic prescribing, and patient satisfaction.

Waitlist Available
Has No Placebo

Baylor College of Medicine

Larissa Grigoryan, MD, PhD

Image of UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital in Pittsburgh, United States.

Catheterization Methods for Postpartum Urinary Problems

18+
All Sexes
Pittsburgh, PA

At least ten percent of patients have postpartum urinary retention or difficulty urinating after birth, which can cause incontinence and other urinary problems long-term. After getting an epidural placed, patients should be numb in their pelvic region. This numbness makes it difficult to feel the need to urinate, so patients need a urinary catheter placed to empty the bladder. Some patients have one catheter placed throughout their labor and others have a catheter placed to empty the bladder then removed every few hours. The investigators are studying whether placing a catheter once or catheterizing multiple times affects the rate of postpartum urinary problems and infection.

Waitlist Available
Has No Placebo

UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital

Anna Binstock, MD

Have you considered Nitrofurantoin clinical trials?

We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Nitrofurantoin, we think they might fit your search criteria.
Go to Trials
Image of Atlantic Health in Morristown, United States.

Methenamine for Urinary Tract Infection

18 - 100
Female
Morristown, NJ

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) affects at least 40% of women in the United States. Synthetic polypropylene mid-urethral slings (MUS) are the gold standard treatment for SUI. Post-operative urinary tract infections (UTI) are one of the most common complications after MUS placement. Some studies have demonstrated that MUS placement can increase the risk of UTI up to 21-34%. Post-operative UTI can lead to significant healthcare and patient burden. This additional burden further contributes to an estimated annual cost of $1.6 billion for UTI management in the United States. With increased antibiotic usage, there is simultaneous increase in bacterial resistance leading to treatment refractory UTI. The investigators prescribe post-operative antibiotics prophylactically for 3 days after MUS placement with or without concurrent pelvic reconstructive surgery based on prior literature recommending post-operative prophylaxis. There is a greater emphasis on limiting antibiotic use given the trend of development of bacterial resistance. There are studies supporting alternatives such as methenamine for recurrent UTI prophylaxis treatment, but there are limited studies evaluating methenamine for UTI prophylaxis after MUS.

Recruiting
Has No Placebo

Atlantic Health

Image of Vriginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle, United States.

Antibiotic Usage for Overactive Bladder

18+
All Sexes
Seattle, WA

Intradetrusor injection of onabotulinumtoxinA, which is performed through a cystoscopic procedure, has been demonstrated to be efficacious in the treatment of both neurogenic and non-neurogenic overactive bladder (OAB), and is FDA approved as a treatment for overactive bladder. Intradetrusor of onabotulinumtoxinA is currently standard of care of patients with OAB who have persistent OAB symptoms despite behavioral therapies and oral medication treatments for OAB. As one of the main adverse events associated with intradetrusor injection of onabotulinumtoxinA is UTI, and published guidelines for cystoscopic procedures with manipulation recommend the use of prophylactic antibiotics, a single dose of prophylactic antibiotic is administered prior to this procedure. However, these recommendations are primarily based on data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving antimicrobial prophylaxis during transurethral resection of the prostate. A previously published prospective study demonstrated that the rate of post-procedural UTI did not differ amongst patients with neurogenic bladder who did not receive prophylactic antibiotics and were asymptomatic for UTI, regardless of whether they had sterile urine cultures or asymptomatic bacteriuria, suggesting that patients who are not symptomatic for UTI may not require antibiotic prophylaxis prior to intradetrusor onabotulinumtoxinA injection. Studies have reported that up to 50% of antibiotic usage is inappropriate, leading to unnecessary exposure of patients to potential complications of antibiotic therapy, including Clostridium difficile infection which can cause recurrent diarrhea that may progress to sepsis and death, increasing antibiotic resistances, as well as dermal/allergic and gastro-intestinal manifestations. Therefore, in an effort to optimize antibiotic use, the investigators propose a prospective, randomized study to formally evaluate the differences in UTI frequency in subjects who have a negative urinalysis and are not symptomatic for UTI and receive prophylactic antibiotics at the time of intradetrusor onabotulinumtoxinA injection compared to those who do not receive prophylactic antibiotics at the time of injection. The proposed study seeks to evaluate the current practice standard of antibiotic prophylaxis prior to intradetrusor onabotulinumtoxin injection.

Recruiting
Has No Placebo

Vriginia Mason Medical Center (+1 Sites)

Justina Tam, MD