Pharmacy Guide

Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.

Pharmacy Guide

Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.

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Nitrofurantoin 25mg/5ml Oral Suspension

⚠ This medicine appears to have been discontinued

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.

Active substance: Nitrofurantoin monohydrate

Equivalent medicines (same active substance, strength and form)

Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc)
Official leaflet: Read the PIL on emc

How to take it

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:

  • Signs of a serious allergic reaction such as:
  • difficulty in breathing or any sudden wheeziness.
  • a severe skin reaction known as DRESS syndrome can occur. Symptoms of DRESS include: skin rash, fever, swelling of lymph nodes and an increase of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell).
  • swelling of the eyelids, face or lips, rash or itching (especially affecting your whole body). Stop taking this medicine and tell your doctor if you experience any of the following side effects:
  • Problems with your lungs. This can happen quickly, within one week after the start of treatment, or very slowly, especially in the elderly and can lead to fever, shivering, coughing and shortness of breath associated with pneumonia and/or tissue damage.
  • Jaundice (inflammation of the liver causing yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes).
  • The nerves outside the spinal cord may be affected causing changes to the sense of feeling and the use of muscles. In addition, headache, extreme changes of mood or mental state, confusion, weakness, blurred vision may occur. These effects may be severe and in some instances permanent.
  • Raised pressure in the skull (causing severe headaches).
  • Severe reduction in blood cells which can cause weakness, bruising or make infections more likely.
  • Blue or purple colouration of the skin due to low oxygen levels. A condition known as cyanosis.
  • Symptoms of fever, flu, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, blood in your stool and weakness. These could be signs of a condition known as cutaneous vasculitis.
  • Symptoms of fatigue, abdominal pain, joint pain and swelling. These could be signs of a condition known as hepatitis. Please note that while taking Nitrofurantoin Oral Suspension your urine may become dark yellow or brown coloured. This is quite normal and not a reason to stop taking the medicine. Tell your doctor if you have any of the following side effects, they become worse or you notice any effects not listed: Rare side effects (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people)
  • Loss of consciousness (collapse).

Possible side effects

for which the frequency cannot be estimated from available data:

  • Feeling sick (nausea) and headache.
  • Diarrhoea.
  • Loss of appetite, stomach ache, and being sick (vomiting).
  • Dizziness, drowsiness.
  • Blood cells have been affected in some patients. This may result in bruising, delayed clotting of the blood, sore throat, fever, anaemia, and a susceptibility to colds or persistent cold.
  • A variety of skin rashes or reactions have occurred in some patients. These may appear as flaking skin, a red rash or fever accompanied by rapid heart rate and severe rash with blistering. Other reactions may include inflammation of salivary glands (causing facial pains), inflammation of the pancreas gland (causing severe abdominal pain) and joint pains.
  • Short-term hair loss.
  • Urinary infection by germs which are not sensitive to Nitrofurantoin Oral Suspension. Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme website: www.mhra.gov.uk/ yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

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

Contents of the pack and other information

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:

  • if you are allergic (causing itching, reddening of the skin or difficulty in breathing) to nitrofurantoin or any of the ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6 at the end of the leaflet) or other medicines containing nitrofurantoin.
  • if you have a disease of the kidneys which is severely affecting the way they work (ask your doctor if you are not sure).
  • if you are in the final stages of pregnancy (labour or delivery) as there is a risk that it might affect the baby.
  • if you suffer from a blood disorder called porphyria.
  • if you are deficient in an enzyme called G6PD (glucose6-phosphate dehydrogenase). Do not give this medicine to children under three months of age. Tell your doctor if you are not sure about any of the above. Warnings and precautions Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Nitrofurantoin Oral Suspension:
  • if you have diabetes.
  • if you are suffering from any illness causing severe weakness.
  • if you have anaemia (a decrease in red blood cells causing pale skin, weakness and breathlessness); or a lack of vitamin B or abnormal levels of salts in your blood (your doctor will be able to advise you).
  • if you have a history of allergic reactions. The above conditions may increase the chance of developing a side effect which results in damage to the nerves, causing an altered sense of feeling such as pins and needles.
  • if you lack an enzyme (body chemical) called glucose-6phosphate dehydrogenase, which causes your red blood cells to be more easily damaged (this is more common in black people and people of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern or Asian origin. Your doctor will know).
  • if you have any disease of the lungs, liver or nervous system. If you need to take Nitrofurantoin Oral Suspension for a number of months, your doctor may want to regularly check how your lungs and liver are working. This medicine can also cause lung disease in patients with no previous medical history affecting their lungs. Lung disease can occur in patients on short-term or long-term treatment. Talk to your doctor if you experience trouble breathing, shortness of breath, a lingering cough, coughing up blood or mucus, or pain or discomfort when breathing. These may be symptoms of side effects affecting the lungs. This medicine may interfere with urine tests for glucose, causing the test to give a "false positive" result. That is, the test may say that glucose is present in the urine even if it is not. This medicine may also cause your urine to turn yellow or brown. Talk to your doctor if you experience fatigue, yellowing of the skin or eyes, itching, skin rashes, joint pain, abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, dark urine, and pale or grey-coloured stools. It may be symptoms of liver disorder. Other medicines and Nitrofurantoin Oral Suspension Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of the following medicines as their effect may be changed or the effect of Nitrofurantoin Oral Suspension may be changed.
  • Antacids for indigestion (e.g. magnesium trisilicate).
  • Oral contraceptives ("the pill").
  • Typhoid vaccine.
  • Medicines for gout (e.g. probenecid or sulfinpyrazone).
  • Medicines which slow the passage of food through the stomach (e.g. atropine, hyoscine).
  • Medicines for raised pressure in the eye (glaucoma), such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (e.g. acetazolamide).
  • Medicines which make the urine less acidic (e.g. potassium citrate mixture).
  • Medicines for infections, known as quinolones. If you are in doubt about any of these medicines ask your doctor or pharmacist. Nitrofurantoin Oral Suspension with food and drink Nitrofurantoin Oral Suspension should always be taken with food or milk. Taking this medicine with food or milk makes it work more effectively. Pregnancy and breast-feeding and fertility If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor

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:

  • Methyl parahydroxybenzoate and propyl parahydroxybenzoate which may cause allergic reactions (possibly delayed).
  • Glycerol which may cause headache, stomach upset and diarrhoea.
  • Less than 1mmol sodium per dose, i.e. essentially sodium free.

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:

  • For treatment of infections: two to four 5ml spoonfuls four times a day for seven days.
  • For prevention of further infections: two to four 5ml spoonfuls to be taken once a day.
  • For prevention of infections during surgery: two 5ml spoonfuls four times a day on the day of the operation and three days thereafter. Children and infants aged over three months: For children under 25kg body weight consideration should be given to the use of Nitrofurantoin Oral Suspension. The dose depends on the weight of the child and will be provided by your doctor. Follow your doctor's instructions exactly. Children below 3 months of age should not take Nitrofurantoin Oral Suspension. How to take this medicine: This medicine should always be taken with food or milk. Taking this medicine with food or milk makes it work more effectively. It is recommended to shake well before use, until complete resuspension. Please use the plastic spoon or the plastic dosing syringe (see instructions below) provided to deliver your specific dose.

Frequently asked questions about Nitrofurantoin 25mg/5ml Oral Suspension

How do I take Nitrofurantoin 25mg/5ml Oral Suspension?

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.

What is the active substance in Nitrofurantoin 25mg/5ml Oral Suspension?

The active substance in Nitrofurantoin 25mg/5ml Oral Suspension is nitrofurantoin monohydrate.

Are there equivalent medicines to Nitrofurantoin 25mg/5ml Oral Suspension?

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.

Where does this information come from?

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.

Can I get Nitrofurantoin 25mg/5ml Oral Suspension without a prescription?

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.

About this leaflet

The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.

Medical disclaimer: This page is for information only and does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always read the leaflet supplied with your medicine. If you are unwell, call NHS 111; in an emergency, call 999.

Medicines with the same active substance: Nitrofurantoin monohydrate (3 medicines)
See every medicine containing this substance, or browse the full A–Z of active substances.
⚕For healthcare professionals — Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)Full SmPC: dosage, interactions, contraindications, warnings+
Technical information intended for healthcare professionals (doctors and pharmacists). The Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) is the official document approved by the MHRA/EMA. It does not replace the patient leaflet or a doctor’s advice.

4.1. Therapeutic indications

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.

4.2. Posology and method of administration

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.

4.3. Contraindications

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.

4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use

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

4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

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.

4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

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.

4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines

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.

4.8. Undesirable effects

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.

4.9. Overdose

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 about this leaflet

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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