Nitrofurantoin
Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic for urinary tract infections, sold here as Macrobid capsules and plain nitrofurantoin tablets, both in 50mg and 100mg strengths.
Nitrofurantoin
Nitrofurantoin
50/100mg
Nitrofurantoin 50mg and 100mg tablets, an antibiotic for bladder and other lower urinary tract infections, available in packs from 30 up to 360 tablets.
What nitrofurantoin does
Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic for urinary tract infections (UTIs) — the burning, urgency and constant trips to the toilet that come with a bladder infection. It passes into the urine and kills the bacteria behind the infection. Because it works inside the urinary tract rather than in the bloodstream, it suits infections in the bladder and urethra and is not used for kidney infections. It does nothing for colds, flu or other viral illnesses.
How is a course taken?
Take each dose with food. A meal or a snack settles the stomach, helps the body absorb the medicine, and doses are usually spread evenly through the day — two to four times in 24 hours. A bladder infection is normally treated for at least seven days. Keep going until the pack is empty even if the burning has eased; stopping early lets the infection return and gives the bacteria a chance to become resistant. Keep the capsules or tablets in their original pack somewhere dry, and use them before the expiry date.
Macrobid or plain nitrofurantoin tablets?
Two single-ingredient listings are in the shop. Macrobid is the brand-name version, capsules in 50mg and 100mg. Nitrofurantoin tablets is the plain-name version at the same two strengths, in tablet form. Same active ingredient, different brand; what you are choosing between is a capsule and a tablet, and the pack size that covers the course.
Side effects worth expecting
Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, heartburn, wind and headache are the complaints people notice most, and taking each dose with food keeps them down. Urine often turns dark yellow or brown while the course lasts; that is harmless and fades afterwards. Hair loss has been reported rarely.
Less often, something more serious appears: a rash or hives, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, difficulty breathing or swallowing, fever and chills, chest pain or a cough that will not clear, tingling or numbness in the fingers and toes, muscle weakness, or yellowing of the skin and eyes. Severe diarrhoea — watery or bloody, with or without cramps — can start during treatment or up to two months after the last dose. Long courses carry a small risk of lung and nerve problems, which is why nitrofurantoin is usually kept to short ones. It is not used in the last month of pregnancy.
What interacts with nitrofurantoin
Antacids are the interaction worth knowing about: they can reduce how much nitrofurantoin the body takes in, so leaving a few hours between the two keeps the antibiotic working at full strength.
Sources
- Nitrofurantoin: MedlinePlus Drug Information — National Library of Medicine
- Urinary Tract Infection Basics | UTI - CDC — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Where can I order Nitrofurantoin for delivery in Hong Kong?
Nitrofurantoin can be ordered online with delivery to Hong Kong. The products are generic Macrobid capsules in 50mg and 100mg, and Nitrofurantoin tablets in 50mg and 100mg. An order can be cancelled within 24 hours if it has not been dispatched, and support answers 24/7 in English and Cantonese.
How much do Nitrofurantoin products cost in Hong Kong?
Each of the two nitrofurantoin products has its own price per pack, shown on its page in HKD or your selected currency; larger packs usually cost less per unit.
Do I need a prescription to order Nitrofurantoin?
PockDose does not ask you to upload a prescription when you order nitrofurantoin. See the ordering FAQ for details.
What are the brand names for nitrofurantoin?
Furadantin and Macrobid are brand names of nitrofurantoin, which is also sold as Macrodantin and Martifur. Here, nitrofurantoin can be bought online as generic Macrobid and nitrofurantoin tablets. These are generics, not the original brand.
How long does nitrofurantoin take to work?
Most people feel the burning and urgency settle within a few days. That is not the end of treatment: a bladder infection is normally treated for at least seven days, and stopping early is how it comes back.
Should I take nitrofurantoin with food?
Yes, take each dose with a meal or a snack. Food lessens the nausea and stomach upset this antibiotic can cause and helps it be absorbed. Evenly spaced doses through the day also keep the level in the urine steady.
What is the difference between Macrobid and nitrofurantoin tablets?
Both contain nitrofurantoin at 50mg and 100mg. Macrobid is the brand name and comes as capsules; the plain listing is tablets. The ingredient is the same, so the practical difference is the form you swallow and the pack size you pick for the course.
Does nitrofurantoin turn urine dark?
It often does. Dark yellow or brown urine is a known effect of nitrofurantoin and not a sign that anything is wrong; the colour returns to normal once the course ends. Drinking plenty of water through the day is helpful for a urinary infection in general.
Can nitrofurantoin be used for a kidney infection?
No. Nitrofurantoin concentrates in the urine inside the bladder, which is what makes it useful for bladder infections and urethritis; it does not reach the kidneys in high enough amounts. A kidney infection needs a different antibiotic.