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Next day delivery available
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Genuine medication
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Discreet packaging
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
UTIs are usually easily treated however if they are left untreated they can become more serious.
UTI symptom relief
Some ways to help relieve the symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI) include:
- Drink plenty of fluids to help flush out bacteria from the urinary tract
- Don't fight the urge to urinate (pee), go to the toilet if you get the urge to urinate
- Take over the counter medicines such as paracetamol and ibuprofen
- Apply a heat pad or warm compreess to your lower belly to help relax the muscles in the urinary tract
- 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:
- Nausea (feeling sick)
- Vomiting (being sick)
- Diarrhoea
- Loss of appetite
- Headaches
- 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.
nitrofurantoin FAQs
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What are the possible side effects of nitrofurantoin?
Some possible side effects of nitrofurantoin include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, headache, dizziness, rash. More serious side effects include: Yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice), unusual bruising or bleeding, confusion or hallucinations, chest pain or difficulty breathing. If these side effects occur contact your doctor immediately.
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How should I take nitrofurantoin?
nitrofurantoin capsules are usually taken twice a day with food and a glass of water. Taking it with food helps to prevent side effects and the water will help the antibiotic work.
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Can I drink alcohol while taking nitrofurantoin?
Yes you can drink alcohol while taking nitrofurantoin.
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Can I buy nitrofurantoin over the counter?
No they must be prescribed.
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Can I take nitrofurantoin if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Yes it is generally safe to take nitrofurantoin while pregnant apart from the third trimester. If your baby is health it is safe to take nitrofurantoin while breastfeeding. Always contact your doctor before taking any medication.
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What should I do if I miss a dose of nitrofurantoin?
If you have missed a dose take it as soon as you remmeber unless it is time to take your next dose. If it is time for your next dose skip the missed dose.
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Is it safe to buy nitrofurantoin from your pharmacy?
We are a General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) registered pharmacy and we source all our pharmaceutical products from reputable wholesalers, the same wholesalers that provide the medicines used to fill NHS prescriptions.
If you buy them from an unregistered pharmacy you may be wasting your money at best or at worse harm yourself buying and taking fake tablets. Always check to make sure where you are buying them from are registered with the GPhC. -
Do nitrofurantoin capsules expire?
Yes, like most medicines it has a shelf life and will become less effective if it is left unused. Always check the expiry date of any medicines you are taking before you take them, the expiry date refers the end of the month. If you find your medication has expired, you can post them to us, bring them to us or take them to your nearest pharmacy for safe disposal.
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How should I store nitrofurantoin capsules?
They should be stored in a dry area below 30°C and kept out of direct sunlight. Storing the tablets incorrectly could result in the tablets becoming less effective.
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Is this the same as Macrobid?
Yes, Macrobid is no longer available, they are now a generic item and contain the same active ingredient as Macrobid used too.