Nitrofurantoin
Nitrofuran Derivatives
Sold as Nitrofurantion
- Drug class
- Nitrofuran Derivatives
- Availability
- Prescription only
- Routes
- Oral
- Markets covered
- 3
- Products on record
- 97
- FDA reports (12 mo)
- 1,270
Overview
Plain-language summary, compiled from the cited regulatory records
Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic belonging to the nitrofuran derivatives drug class [1]. It is approved for treating urinary tract infections (UTIs) in adults and pediatric patients one month of age and older [1]. The infections treated by nitrofurantoin must be caused by susceptible strains of specific bacteria, including *Escherichia coli*, *Enterococcus* species, *Staphylococcus aureus*, *Klebsiella* species, and *Enterobacter* species [1].
It is important to note that nitrofurantoin is not indicated for the treatment of pyelonephritis or perinephric abscesses [1]. The drug is available under various brand names, including Nitrofurantion [1].
In the past 12 months, there have been 1270 adverse event reports associated with nitrofurantoin [2]. The most frequently reported reactions include headache, urinary tract infection, off-label use, swelling of the face, and the drug being ineffective [2].
This is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Regulatory status by market
| Market | Regulator | Products | Last revision |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB United Kingdom | MHRA | 70 | May 29, 2026 |
| US United States | FDA | 18 | April 6, 2026 |
| CA Canada | Health Canada | 9 | May 4, 2026 |
GBUnited Kingdom· MHRA
70 products
Uses
For the treatment of and prophylaxis against acute or recurrent, uncomplicated lower urinary tract infections or pyelitis either spontaneous or following surgical procedures. It is indicated in adults, children and infants over 3 months old.
Nitrofurantoin is specifically indicated for the treatment of infections when due to susceptible strains of Escherichia coli, Enterococci, Staphylococci, Citrobacter, Klebsiella and Enterobacter.
How to take
USUnited States· FDA
18 products
Uses
1 INDICATIONS & USAGE Nitrofurantoin is indicated in adults and pediatric patients 1 month of age and older for the treatment of urinary tract infections due to susceptible strains of Escherichia coli , Enterococcus species, Staphylococcus aureus , Klebsiella species and Enterobacter species.
7)]. Usage To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of nitrofurantoin and other antibacterial drugs, nitrofurantoin should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria.
When culture and susceptibility information are available, they should be considered in selecting or modifying antibacterial therapy. In the absence of such data, local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns may contribute to the empiric selection of therapy.
Nitrofurantoin is a nitrofuran antibacterial indicated in adults and pediatric patients 1 month of age and older for the treatment of urinary tract infections caused by susceptible bacteria. (1) Limitations of Use Nitrofurantoin is not indicated for the treatment of pyelonephritis or perinephric abscesses.
CACanada· Health Canada
9 products
How to take
Adults and Children over 12 years:
One JAMP Nitrofurantoin BID 100 mg capsule twice a day for 7 days (maximum 200 mg/day). JAMP Nitrofurantoin BID should be taken every 12 hours with food or milk to minimize gastric upset. Therapy for acute urinary tract infections should be continued for 7 days or for at least 3 days after sterility of the urine is obtained.
Continued infection indicates the need for re-evaluation. 18 g/mol Description Nitrofurantoin is a yellow crystalline powder or yellow crystals; very slightly soluble in water and in ethanol (96 percent), soluble in dimethylformamide.
JAMP Nitrofurantoin BID (Nitrofurantoin Capsules) Product Monograph Page 11 of 20 Composition Each 100 mg JAMP Nitrofurantoin BID capsule contains the equivalent of 100 mg of nitrofurantoin in the form of nitrofurantoin macrocrystals and nitrofurantoin monohydrate and the following inactive ingredients: carbomer homopolymer type B, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, starch – maize, povidone and talc.
Drug interactions
Known interactions involving Nitrofurantoin. Select one for details. This list is informational and not a complete interaction checker.
Showing 240 of 330. Type above to find a specific drug.
Interaction data compiled from DDInter (academic, CC-BY). Severity classification only - this is not a complete interaction checker and not medical advice.
Sources & citations
- [1]MHRA (UK) · PL344240055 · revised February 20, 2026
- [2]FDA DailyMed · 04af8b73-7e15-7d… · revised March 29, 2024 [PDF]
- [3]Health Canada (DPD) · 02544954 · revised March 22, 2025
- [4]OpenFDA adverse-event reports (US), 12 months ending June 4, 2026.
Information on this page is compiled from public regulatory records. Drugvu is not affiliated with any regulator or pharmaceutical manufacturer. This is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.