MedicinePOMEssential

Nitrofurantoin

Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic used to treat and prevent urinary tract infections.

Clinical information

Common uses

treating urinary tract infections (cystitis)
preventing recurrent UTIs

Common side effects

feeling sick
being sick
diarrhoea
loss of appetite
headaches

Cautions

may turn pee dark yellow or brown — harmless
finish the full course even if you feel better
not suitable with severe kidney disease or G6PD deficiency
rarely causes lung, liver or nerve problems

Interactions

antacids containing magnesium
cystitis remedies bought from a pharmacy
quinolone antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin
oral typhoid vaccine may not work

Pregnancy: usually fine, but avoided after 28 weeks

Reference information, not medical advice — always follow your doctor or pharmacist. Source: NHS Medicines A–Z, nhs.uk/medicines/nitrofurantoin (accessed 2026-08-16)

Approved brands & formulations6

Brand name	Dosage form	Strength	Importer	Category
Furadantin	Tablet	50mg	authorized medicine importers	POM
Nitrofurantoin	Tablet	100mg	—	POM
Nitrofurantoin	Capsule	50mg	—	POM
Nitrofurantoin	Capsule	100mg	—	POM
Nitrofurantoin	Oral liquid ( Suspension )	25mg/5ml	—	POM
Nitrofurantoin	Parenteral ( Injection )	25mg/5ml	MFDA designated importers with Pre Authorization approval before import	hospital