Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.
If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Nitrofurantoin monohydrate may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.
the plastic dosing syringe: The syringe can be used to measure your dose by drawing the liquid to the correct mark on the syringe. 1. Shake the bottle well, making sure the cap is firmly on the bottle. 2. Remove the cap. Note: Keep the cap nearby to close the bottle after each use. 3. Push the plastic adaptor into the neck of the bottle. Note: The adaptor must always stay in the bottle. 4. Take the syringe and check the plunger is fully down. 5. Keep the bottle upright and insert the oral syringe firmly into the plastic adaptor. 6. Turn the whole bottle with the syringe upside down. 7. Slowly pull the plunger down fully so that the syringe fills with medicine. Push the plunger back up completely to expel any large air bubbles that may be trapped inside the oral syringe. 8. Then pull the plunger slowly back to the volume you need for your dose. 9. Turn the whole bottle with the syringe the right way up and take the syringe out of the bottle. 10. The dose of medicine can now be swallowed directly from the oral syringe. Please ensure that you are sitting upright and the plunger must be pushed slowly to allow you to swallow the dose. 11. Replace the child resistant cap after use, leaving the adaptor in place. 12. Cleaning: After use, wipe the outside of the syringe with a dry, clean tissue. Medical Checks Your doctor will watch carefully for any effects on the liver, lungs, blood or nervous system. Nitrofurantoin Oral Suspension may interfere with the results of some tests for glucose in the urine. If you TAKE MORE Nitrofurantoin Oral Suspension than you should: Consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately or go to the emergency department of the nearest hospital. Always take any leftover medicine with you, as well as the container and label, so that the medical staff know what you have taken. If you FORGET TO TAKE Nitrofurantoin Oral Suspension: Do not worry. If you remember later on that day, take that day's dose as usual. If you miss a whole day's dose take the normal dose on the next day. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. If you are not sure, ask your doctor or pharmacist. If you STOP TAKING Nitrofurantoin Oral Suspension: Your doctor will tell you how long to take the treatment. Do not stop earlier than you are told, even if you feel better. If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.
4. POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Most of them are mild and disappear when you stop taking Nitrofurantoin Oral Suspension. All medicines can cause allergic reactions although serious allergic reactions are rare.
Stop taking this medicine and seek immediate medical help if you develop:
for which the frequency cannot be estimated from available data:
5. HOW TO STORE NITROFURANTOIN ORAL SUSPENSION Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. This medicine does not require any special storage conditions before opening. After first opening, do not store above 25oC and use within 3 months. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton and bottle after 'EXP'. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.
6. CONTENTS OF THE PACK AND OTHER INFORMATION What Nitrofurantoin Oral Suspension contains The active substance is nitrofurantoin. Each 5ml spoonful contains 25mg of nitrofurantoin (as monohydrate). The other ingredients are methyl parahydroxybenzoate, propyl parahydroxybenzoate, polysorbate 20, glycerol, carbomer, sucralose, apricot flavour, sodium hydroxide. What Nitrofurantoin Oral Suspension looks like and contents of the pack Nitrofurantoin Oral Suspension is a yellow suspension with a characteristic apricot odour. This medicine is supplied in a 300ml amber glass bottle with LDPE child-resistant screw cap, packed in a cardboard box containing a 5ml plastic oral dosing syringe (graduated every 0.1ml) and an adaptor for the syringe; or one double plastic 2.5/5.0ml measuring spoon. Not all pack-sizes may be marketed. Marketing Authorisation Holder Aspire Pharma Ltd Unit 4, Rotherbrook Court Bedford Road Petersfield Hampshire GU32 3QG United Kingdom Manufacturer IASIS Pharmaceuticals Hellas ABEE 137, Filis Ave., Kamatero, Attiki 13451 Greece or IASIS Pharmaceuticals Hellas S.A. – KOROPI Archimidous Street Koropi Attikis 19400 Greece This leaflet was last revised in May 2023
1010490 – P3.2
1. WHAT NITROFURANTOIN ORAL SUSPENSION IS AND WHAT IT IS USED FOR Nitrofurantoin (the active substance in Nitrofurantoin Oral Suspension) is an antibiotic. It is used to prevent and treat infections of the bladder, kidney and other parts of the urinary tract.
2.WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU TAKE NITROFURANTOIN ORAL SUSPENSION Do not take this medicine:
or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine. As far as it is known Nitrofurantoin Oral Suspension may be used in pregnancy. However, it should not be used during labour or delivery because there is a possibility that use at this stage may affect the baby. If you want to breast feed, please consult your doctor first. Driving and using machines Nitrofurantoin Oral Suspension may cause dizziness and drowsiness. You should not drive or operate machinery if you are affected this way until such symptoms go away. Nitrofurantoin Oral Suspension contains:
3. HOW TO TAKE NITROFURANTOIN ORAL SUSPENSION Follow your doctor's instructions exactly and complete the course of the treatment even if you feel better. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. Adults: The normal dosage depends on the type of infection you have and instructions should be written on the label provided by the pharmacist. Consult your pharmacist or doctor if these instructions are not clear. The usual doses are:
Nitrofurantoin 25mg/5ml Oral Suspension comes as oral solution containing 25mg / 5ml. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.
The active substance in Nitrofurantoin 25mg/5ml Oral Suspension is nitrofurantoin monohydrate.
Medicines with the same active substance, strength and form include: Nitrofurantoin 25mg/5ml Oral Suspension, Nitrofurantoin 25mg/5ml oral suspension. They are interchangeable only if your prescriber or pharmacist says so.
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Nitrofurantoin 25mg/5ml Oral Suspension, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.
Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.
The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.
Nitrofurantoin is indicated for the treatment of and prophylaxis against acute or recurrent, uncomplicated lower urinary tract infections either spontaneous or following surgical procedures when due to susceptible micro-organisms (see section 4.4 and 5.1).
Consideration should be given to official guidance on the appropriate use of antibacterial agents.
Posology
Dosage:
Adults
Acute Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections: 50mg four times daily for seven days.
Severe Chronic Recurrence: 100mg four times day for seven days.
Long Term Suppression: 50mg - 100mg once a day.
Prophylaxis: 50mg four times daily for the duration of procedure and 3 days thereafter.
Paediatric population
Children and Infants over three months of age
For children under 25 kg body weight consideration should be given to the use of Nitrofurantoin
Suspension.
Acute Urinary Tract Infections: 3mg/kg/day in four divided doses for seven days.
Suppressive: 1mg/kg, once a day.
Elderly
Provided there is no significant renal impairment, in which Nitrofurantoin is contraindicated, the dosage should be that for any normal adult. See precaution and risks to elderly patients associated with long term therapy (Section 4.8).
Method of administration:
For Oral use.
This medicine should always be taken with food or milk. Taking Nitrofurantoin with a meal improves absorption and is important for optimal efficacy. It is recommended to shake well before use, until complete resuspension.
Patients with known hypersensitivity to nitrofurantoin or other nitrofurans.
Patients suffering from renal dysfunction with an eGFR of less than 45 ml/minute. Nitrofurantoin may be used with caution as short-course therapy only for the treatment of uncomplicated lower urinary tract infection in individual cases with an eGFR between 30-44 ml/min to treat resistant pathogens, when the benefits are expected to outweigh the risks.
G6PD deficiency (including pregnancy at term, and breast-feeding of affected infants, Third trimester: May produce neonatal haemolysis if used at term, only small amounts are present in milk but could be enough to produce haemolysis in G6PD deficient infants), acute porphyria.
In infants under three months of age as well as pregnant patients at term (during labour and delivery) because of the theoretical possibility of haemolytic anaemia in the foetus.
Nitrofurantoin is not effective for the treatment of parenchymal infections of unilaterally non-functioning kidney. A surgical cause for infection should be excluded in recurrent or severe cases.
Since pre-existing conditions may mask adverse reactions, Nitrofurantoin should be used with caution in patients with pulmonary disease, hepatic dysfunction, neurological disorders, and allergic diathesis.
Peripheral neuropathy and susceptibility to peripheral neuropathy, which may become severe or irreversible, has occurred and may be life threatening. Therefore, treatment should be stopped at the first signs of neural involvement (paraesthesiae).
Nitrofurantoin should be used with caution in patients with anaemia, diabetes mellitus, electrolyte imbalance, debilitating conditions and Vitamin B (particularly folate) deficiency.
Pulmonary adverse reactions
Acute, subacute and chronic pulmonary reactions have been observed in patients treated with nitrofurantoin. If these reactions occur, nitrofurantoin should be discontinued immediately. Signs of pulmonary damage include difficulty and or pain when breathing, shortness of breath and coughing up blood or mucus.
Chronic pulmonary reactions
Chronic pulmonary reactions (including pulmonary fibrosis and diffuse interstitial pneumonitis) can develop insidiously, and may occur commonly in elderly patients. Close monitoring of the pulmonary conditions of patients receiving long-term therapy is warranted (especially in the elderly).
Acute pulmonary reactions
Pulmonary reactions may be acute and usually occur within the first week of treatment. Increased vigilance for respiratory symptoms in patients who have just started therapy is warranted (especially in the elderly).
Patients should be monitored closely for signs of hepatitis (particularly in long terms use).
Urine may be coloured yellow or brown after taking Nitrofurantoin. Patients on Nitrofurantoin are susceptible to false positive urinary glucose (if tested for reducing substances).
Nitrofurantoin should be discontinued at any sign of haemolysis in those with suspected glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency.
For long-term treatment, monitor patients closely for evidence of hepatitis or pulmonary symptoms or other evidence of toxicity.
Hepatotoxicity
Hepatic reactions, including hepatitis, autoimmune hepatitis, cholestatic jaundice, chronic active hepatitis, and hepatic necrosis, occur rarely. Fatalities have been reported. The onset of chronic active hepatitis may be insidious, and patients should be monitored periodically for changes in biochemical tests that would indicate liver injury. If hepatitis occurs, the drug should be withdrawn immediately and appropriate measures should be taken.
Discontinue treatment with Nitrofurantoin if otherwise unexplained pulmonary, hepatic, haematological or neurological syndromes occur.
Excipient Warnings
This product contains:
Methyl parahydroxybenzoate which may cause allergic reaction (possibly delayed)
Propyl parahydroxybenzoate which may cause allergic reaction (possibly delayed)
Glycerol which may cause headache, stomach upset and diarrhoea
1. Increased absorption with food or agents delaying gastric emptying.
2. Decreased absorption with magnesium trisilicate.
3. Decreased renal excretion of Nitrofurantoin by probenecid and sulphinpyrazone.
4. Decreased anti-bacterial activity by carbonic anhydrase inhibitors and urine alkalisation.
5. Anti-bacterial antagonism by quinolone anti-infectives.
6. Interference with some tests for glucose in urine.
7. As Nitrofurantoin belongs to the group of Antibacterials it will have the following resulting interactions:
Oestrogens: Antibacterials that do not induce liver enzymes possibly reduce contraceptive effect of oestrogens (risk probably small, Interactions of combined oral contraceptives may also apply to combined contraceptive patches).
Typhoid Vaccine (oral): Antibacterials inactivate oral typhoid vaccine.
Pregnancy
Animal studies with Nitrofurantoin have shown no teratogenic effects.
Nitrofurantoin has been in extensive clinical use since 1952 and its suitability in human pregnancy has been well documented. However, as with all other drugs, the maternal side effects may adversely affect course of pregnancy. The drug should be used at the lowest dose as appropriate for specific indication, only after careful assessment.
Nitrofurantoin is however contraindicated in infants under three months of age and in pregnant women during labour and delivery, because of the possible risk of haemolysis of the infants' immature red cells.
Breast-feeding
Caution should be exercised while breast-feeding an infant known or suspected to have an erythrocyte enzyme deficiency, since Nitrofurantoin is detected in trace amounts in breast milk.
Nitrofurantoin may cause dizziness and drowsiness. Patients should be advised not to drive or operate machinery if affected in this way until such symptoms go away.
Very common (≥1/10)
Common (≥1/100 to <1/10)
Uncommon (≥1/1000 to <1/100)
Rare (≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000)
Very Rare (<1/10,000)
Not known (cannot be estimated from the available data)
System organ class MedDRA
Frequency
Adverse reaction
Infections and infestations
Not known
Superinfections by fungi or resistant organisms such as Pseudomonas. However, these are limited to the genitourinary tract
Blood and lymphatic system disorders
Rare
Not known
Aplastic anaemia
Agranulocytosis, leucopenia, granulocytopenia, haemolytic anaemia, thrombocytopenia,glucose-6-phosphatedehydrogenase deficiency anaemia, megaloblastic anaemia and eosinophilia
Immune system disorders
Not known
Allergic skin reactions, angioneurotic oedema and anaphylaxis, Cutaneous vasculitis
Psychiatric disorders
Rare
Depression, euphoria, confusion, psychotic reactions
Nervous system disorders
Rare
Not known
Peripheral neuropathy including optic neuritis (sensory as well as motor involvement), nystagmus, vertigo, dizziness, headache and drowsiness.
Benign intracranial hypertension
Cardiac disorders
Rare
Collapse and cyanosis
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
Rare
Not known
Chronic pulmonary reactions
Acute pulmonary reactions*, Subacute pulmonary reactions, Cough, Dyspnoea, Permanent impairment of pulmonary function, Pulmonary fibrosis; possible association with lupus-erythematous-like syndrome. Bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia.
Gastrointestinal disorders
Uncommon
Not known
Emesis, Abdominal pain and Diarrhoea.
Sialadenitis, Pancreatitis, Nausea, Anorexia,
Hepatobiliary disorders
Rare
Not known
Liver failure (which maybe fatal), Cholestatic jaundice, Chronic active hepatitis (fatalities have been reported)
Hepatic necrosis, Autoimmune hepatitis
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Rare
Not known
Exfoliative dermatitis and erythema multiforme (including Stevens-Johnson Syndrome)
Transient alopecia, maculopapular, erythematous or eczematous eruptions,urticaria, rash, and pruritis. Lupus-like syndrome associated with pulmonary reaction.
Drug Rash With Eosinophilia And Systemic Symptoms (DRESS syndrome), cutaneous vasculitis
Renal and urinary disorders
Not known
Yellow or brown discolouration of urine, Interstitial nephritis
General disorders and administration site conditions
Not known
Asthenia, fever, chills, drug fever and arthralgia
Congenital, familial and genetic disorders
Not Known
Acute porphyria
Investigations
Not known
False positive urinary glucose
*Acute pulmonary reactions are commonly manifested by fever, chills, cough, chest pain, dyspnoea, pulmonary infiltration with consolidation or pleural effusion on chest x-ray, and eosinophilia. In subacute pulmonary reactions, fever and eosinophilia occur less often than in the acute form. Chronic pulmonary reactions occur rarely in patients who have received continuous therapy for six months or longer and are more common in elderly patients. Changes in ECG have occurred, associated with pulmonary reactions.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
Symptoms and signs of overdose include gastric irritation, nausea and vomiting.
There is no known specific antidote. However, Nitrofurantoin can be haemodialysed in cases of recent ingestion. Standard treatment is by induction of emesis or by gastric lavage. Monitoring of full blood count, liver function, and pulmonary function tests are recommended. A high fluid intake should be maintained to promote urinary excretion of the drug.
Ask anything about Nitrofurantoin 25mg/5ml Oral Suspension. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.
Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.
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