Nitrofurantoin 100mg Modified-Release Capsules

What is Nitrofurantoin?

Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic that is very effective in slowing the growth of bacteria in the body.

It is commonly sold under the brand name Macrobid.

It comes in the form of capsules or tablets that you swallow, or a liquid you drink.

You need a prescription to buy Nitrofurantoin tablets.

What is Nitrofurantoin used to treat?

Nitrofurantoin is widely prescribed to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs) like kidney infections and cystitis. It can be taken by adults and children over 3 months old, although the dosage will differ for children.

When you take Nitrofurantoin, your body will filter it out of your blood and into your urine very swiftly, meaning the medicine is concentrated on the area of infection, making it an ideal treatment for urine infections.

You will normally be instructed to take it for between 3 and 7 days, depending on your individual problem.

Why is Nitrofurantoin recommended to treat UTIs?

Nitrofurantoin has been used in the successful treatment of UTIs for more than 60 years.

Clinical studies have shown that Nitrofurantoin is also effective at preventing UTIs.  

How does Nitrofurantoin treat cystitis?

Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic medicine that enters the cells of harmful bacteria and damages their genetic material. This kills the bacteria that causes the infection.

Taken orally, Nitrofurantoin is mostly filtered out of your blood and into your urine, which means it is able to focus solely on killing the bacteria that is causing the UTI.

Who can take Nitrofurantoin?

While it is generally considered to be a very safe antibiotic, Nitrofurantoin may not be suitable for everyone. You should consult your doctor or pharmacist before you use this medicine to treat cystitis or any other infections if any of the below apply to you:

• You have severe kidney disease
• You have diabetes
• You have any illnesses which cause severe weakness
• You have anaemia
• You have vitamin B deficiency
• You have had an allergic reaction to Nitrofurantoin or any other medication in the past
• You have any of these rare inherited conditions: porphyria or glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency

This list may not be exhaustive. Before you start to take Nitrofurantoin, consult the patient information leaflet for a full list of precautions.

Can you buy Nitrofurantoin over the counter?

Nitrofurantoin is classed as a prescription-only medicine (POM), so it must be prescribed for you by a doctor.

Can you buy Nitrofurantoin online in the UK?

Nitrofurantoin requires a prescription to be purchased, so before you can complete your order, you will need to have an online consultation to make sure it is safe for you. When you have answered some questions about your condition and medical history, one of our prescribers will assess your answers to ensure Nitrofurantoin is a suitable treatment.

Nitrofurantoin alternatives

Trimethoprim is another effective antibiotic medication available to order from Medicine Direct. This medicine works to stop the bacteria that cause UTIs from being able to reproduce, making it easier for your immune system to fight the infection effectively.

View our full range of treatments by visiting the Cystitis treatments page.