Nitrofurantoin

Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic prescribed to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs), specifically cystitis. It contains the active ingredient of the same name.

Nitrofurantoin is also available as a branded drug, sold under different names. However, if you buy Nitrofurantoin online from HealthExpress, it has the same properties and effects as the branded drug MacroBID - coming in the form of 100mg modified-release (MR) capsules or tablets.

You should only take this medication if a doctor has prescribed it (this includes our online prescription). Taking antibiotics unnecessarily will cause more harm than good and lead to increased antibiotic resistance.

This treatment is not available online to men. This is because UTIs are more difficult to diagnose in men and can indicate more serious conditions. If you are male, you should visit your doctor or a clinic that specializes in sexual health.

If you are pregnant or trying to conceive, you should ask your doctor about the best way to treat the situation.

Nitrofurantoin is effective at treating UTIs because the body absorbs the active agent and eventually concentrates it in your urine.

Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic that works by damaging the DNA of bacterial cells, preventing them from regenerating or duplicating. It prevents your immune system from creating a required protein. As a result, your immune system can better fight the infection.

Please note, you must complete the prescribed course, even if symptoms clear early. Due to the way antibiotics work, the infection can return if prescribing instructions are not followed.

If you are not sure how long your course of treatment should last, check with your doctor or look at the patient information leaflet (PIL) that came with your medication

For full instructions, please consult the patient information leaflet (PIL).

• tablets should be taken whole - do not crush or split them
• tablets should be taken with meals or milk - to help you absorb the medication and avoid feeling nauseous

To ensure your infection is cleared completely, you should finish your course of treatment, even if you do start to feel better before the full time of treatment.

The antibiotic has different treatment lengths for men and women, as follows:

Women

You should take a 100mg (MR) capsule twice a day, for three days.

Alternatively, if you are prescribed the 50mg dosage, you should take tablets four times a day for three days.

If symptoms persist beyond three days, you can continue to take the medication for up to seven days, or until the symptoms resolve. If symptoms persist beyond seven days, please seek immediate medical advice.

Men

Please note, if you are male, you cannot be prescribed this medication online. You should contact your regular doctor for an in-person diagnosis.

Most UTIs affect the bladder and the urethra, which is the tube that drains urine from the bladder. UTIs are a very common infection for women, but rare for men.

When a man develops a UTI, it is usually considered complicated and more likely to spread to the kidneys.

If diagnosed and prescribed in-person, men should take a 100 mg (modified release) capsule twice a day for seven days to clear the infection. Alternatively, take a 50mg tablet four times a day for seven days.

If symptoms persist beyond seven days of treatment, please seek immediate medical advice.

How long does Nitrofurantoin take to work for UTIs?

That usually depends on how long the course is. If it is for three days, the infection will get better after that time and be completely gone by seven days. If it is for seven days, the infection should be gone by the end of the course. If the problem continues, tell your doctor so that you can get a stronger treatment.

For a full list of side effects, please read the patient information leaflet. You will find this included with your order.

You should take this medication with food to minimise feelings of nausea.

Nitrofurantoin might cause urine to turn dark yellow or brown in colour, however, this is normal and is only temporary.

Other common side effects include:

• vomiting
• loss of appetite
• stomach pain
• diarrhoea
• dizziness
• headache

If you experience any breathlessness or difficult breathing after starting this treatment, please seek immediate medical attention.

You should report any unlisted side effects to your doctor. You should also inform your doctor if any reactions are unpleasant or long-lasting.

There are some precautionary measures you need to take into consideration before using Nitrofurantoin for the first time.

Before using this medication you should consult your doctor about any allergies or medical conditions as well as your medical history.

If any of the following apply to you, you should seek other treatment:

• you have a kidney condition
• you are pregnant (especially if in the final stages)
• you have porphyria
• you or a child you are breastfeeding has a G6PD deficiency
• you have an allergy to any of the ingredients of this medication

Please note, Nitrofurantoin can cause bacterial vaccines to not work as effectively. Do not schedule vaccinations during your course of treatment.

You should avoid alcohol when using this medication. Instead, drink plenty of water to help flush the bacteria out.

Pregnancy

This medication cannot be prescribed online to pregnant women. You should speak with your doctor to discuss other options.

Can you drink on Nitrofurantoin?

It is important to avoid alcohol when taking this medication. Drink plenty of water instead to help flush the bacteria out.

Even though the alcohol will not affect how Nitrofurantoin works, it will make it harder for your body to fight infection.

To buy Nitrofurantoin online, you need to fill out a short medical questionnaire. Our team of registered doctors will review it and, if the treatment is right for you, they will issue a prescription to our pharmacy.

We will send your order using a next-day delivery service.

All of our doctors are based in the UK. Our service has all the relevant and mandatory safety certificates. These certificates can be viewed at the very bottom of this page.