Does anyone know anything about an antibiotic called Nitrofurantoin?

4 May 2012

Nitrofurantoin is a prescription antibiotic approved to treat and prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs). It comes in three forms -- a liquid form (Furadantin), a regular capsule form (Macrodantin), and a slower-release capsule form (Macrobid).

If the doc prescribed the med he//she must have weighed all pro & cons to treat your UTI.

Nitrofurantoin works in a unique way, compared to other antibiotics. In bacterial cells, the drug is changed into a highly reactive form that destroys certain bacterial proteins and molecules. As a result, the drug interferes with bacteria's ability to make essential cell components such as protein, DNA, and cell walls. Nitrofurantoin should be taken with food, as food increases the absorption of this antibiotic.

Like any other antibiotic it would have a time period for which it needs to be prescribed, guess the doc/pharmacist would be the best person to seek advice from.

Please take care, best wishes!

4 May 2012

I have been on nitrofurantoin for UTI's before. It usually takes 2-3 days to start to feel better. When I have a UTI, I use AZO-Standard in addition to the antibiotic. You can get it OTC at the drugstore. this medication acts as a bladder anesthetic and will stop the horrible bladder spasms and allow you to pee a full bladder instead of a few drops at a time. In turn, you can drink more water and get the bladder flushed out quicker. The only downside is that this stuff turns your urine very bright orange and it STAINS!! It can stain water deposits in your toilet bowl, if you have any. It will stain your panties. It will stain the toilet seat if urine comes in contact with it. You have to be careful and wear panty liners to save your panties but to me, it is worth the trouble for it to take that awful pain away! Have your Dr check you for a Candida (or yeast) infection. Sometimes a vaginal Candida infection irritates the urethra and gives you symptoms of UTI but antibiotics make the Candida worse so you wont feel better until the vaginal infection is addressed.

19 Oct 2012

Yes, That's a sulfa drug. Many people can't take it because they are allergic to it. But if you can take it, this will be a good treatment. It's an old drug but far better to rid you of UTI. I hope you take it the full time it is prescribed without missing it. (as all antibiotics should be taken) The reason is because bacteria can only be killed at the adult stage. There is a growth pattern of 10 days. This is very important to not stop the drug when you feel better.

19 Oct 2012

Hi! I have been on that many times. I have been getting Chronic UTI's for 3 years. but for the last six months i have not had one till this week. I am on Cipro right now and usually it knocks it right out but this time i am getting no relief. The med you are on right now is the generic for Macrobid. for me its the easiest on my stomach, but for the bacteria I have now, it wouldn't work. I was also on last year everyday (low dose) as a preventative for UTI. Did your doctor do a culture to make sure it was thr right one for your infection? i always had positive results with it. Hope you feel better!