Nitrofurantoin MR Capsules 100mg

What are nitrofurantoin MR Capsules?

nitrofurantoin capsules are an oral medication used to treat urinary tract infections. The active ingredient in the capsules is nitrofurantoin, which is a type of antibiotic that works by stopping the growth of bacteria in the urinary tract. This medication is typically taken twice a day for a period of 3 to 7 days, and should be taken with plenty of water to help flush the bacteria from the urinary tract. Some possible side effects of nitrofurantoin capsules include upset stomach, diarrhea, and dizziness.
In the UK, nitrofurantoin capsules are classified as a prescription-only medication, meaning that they can only be obtained with a prescription.
UTIs can affect both men and women, we currently only offer treatment for women, as men usually need a longer course to completely rid themselves of infection and can be the sign of something more serious. If you are a man and require treatment visit your doctor or a clinic that specializes in sexual health.
It is the first line choice of antibiotic and will usually clear the infection quickly getting you back to feeling normal quickly.
As with any antibiotic it is important you complete the course even if you start to feel better. Failing to complete the course can lead to reinfection and antibiotic resistance.

How to buy nitrofurantoin MR Capsules online

You can use our online prescription service to buy nitrofurantoin MR Capsules online in the UK with free and next day delivery. We are a regulated GPhC registered pharmacy based in the UK. Any website that claims to sell nitrofurantoin MR Capsules without a prescription is operating illegally and you could be purchasing counterfeit / fake medicine.
Upon completion of your order, our independent prescriber will then review your online assessment. If your assessment is approved, our pharmacy team will then receive a prescription and dispense your order, which will be dispatched the same day using your chosen delivery method.

How it works

nitrofurantoin MR Capsules contain the active ingredient Nitrofurantoin, which is an antibiotic. It is only used to treat UTIs as it is quickly filtered out of the blood into urine. This allows the medicine to act directly at the site of infection and kill the bacteria in your urinary tract. But it does mean that Nitrofurantoin will not work for other types of infections.

How to take nitrofurantoin MR Capsules

The usual dose for nitrofurantoin MR Capsules is ONE capsule TWICE daily with food and a full glass of water for three days.
It is important to complete the full course even if you feel better, if you stop before course completion you may get a reinfection.
Do not use nitrofurantoin to treat any other infection other than a UTI
If you do not feel better after completing the course, contact your doctor as you may need to extend the course of antibiotics.

How do I know if I have a UTI?

UTIs are common in both men and women. Common symptoms include:

• Dysuria (pain when urinating)
• Nocturia (needing to urinating more at night)
• Dark or cloudy urine with a strong smell
• Blood in your urine
• Needing to urinate more often
• Lower abdomen pain
• A high temperature
• A low temperature below 36C

UTI symptom relief

Some ways to help relieve the symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI) include:

1. Drink plenty of fluids to help flush out bacteria from the urinary tract
2. Don't fight the urge to urinate (pee), go to the toilet if you get the urge to urinate
3. Take over the counter medicines such as paracetamol and ibuprofen
4. Apply a heat pad or warm compreess to your lower belly to help relax the muscles in the urinary tract
5. Drink cranberry juicy or cystitis sachets

If you think you have a UTI these will only help relieve the symptoms and will not treat the cause.

How quickly does Nitrofurantoin work?

You should begin to feel better within a day or two. If your course is for 3 days and you still feel unwell after completing the course contact your doctors. If the course is for 7 days your infection should be fully cleared by the end of the course, if it is not contact your doctor.

What else can I take?

Painkillers are commonly taken alongside nitrofurantoin, such as Aspirin, Paracetamol or Ibuprofen.
Cystitis sachets or cranberry juice can help provide symptom relief.

Should I take nitrofurantoin or Trimethoprim?

NICE guidelines first line choice for treating a UTI is Nitrofurantoin, as there is a lesser chance of antibiotic resistance with nitrofurantoin than Trimethoprim.
Trimethoprim is still a good choice and will produce good results in most women with some finding better results using it. Trimethoprim is also a good alternative for those with certain medical coniditons such as kidney problems or if your urine sample has been tested and shows the bacteria is not antibiotic resistent.

nitrofurantoin and pregnancy

It is safe to take during pregnancy but should be avoided in the third trimester as it can cause problems.

nitrofurantoin and breastfeeding

If your baby is healthy it is ok to take nitrofurantoin while breastfeeding. A small amount will pass through breast milk. It is unlikely the tiny amount of nitrofurantoin your baby receives from your milk will do them any harm. It is unlikely to have any affect, but if you notice any change in you babys behaviour such as not feeding as well as usual, is unusually sleepy or you have any concerns contact your doctor or health visitor.

nitrofurantoin side effects

The most common side effect of nitrofurantoin is you urine changing colour to a dark yellow or a brownish colour. This is completely normal and you should continue to take the medicine. It will return back to its normal colour after the course is completed.
Other side effects include:

1. Nausea (feeling sick)
2. Vomiting (being sick)
3. Diarrhoea
4. Loss of appetite
5. Headaches
6. Dizziness

For a full list of side effects refer to either the SPC or the patient information leaflet.
If you experience any more serious side effects such as a cough or high temperature, signs of jaundice such as yellowing of skin or the whites of the eyes, unexplained bruising or bleeding, call either your doctor or 111. If you experience signs of an allergic reaction, chest pains or pins & needles call 999.

nitrofurantoin alternatives

An alternative to nitrofurantoin is Trimethoprim. nitrofurantoin is usually the first line for UTIs as there is less resistance to it. Trimethoprim is still used in some women and some women will find it works better then nitrofurantoin.

More nitrofurantoin & UTI information

If you would like more information, you can find the SPC here.

If you would like more information on UTIs click here.