Furadantin

What is it?

An antibacterial preparation which is of a type known as nitofurans (synthetic antibiotic drugs). It is produced in the form of scored, yellow pentagonal-shaped tablets of 2 strengths containing 50mg and 100mg of nitrofurantoin both marked with strength.

Medical Uses

Treatment and prevention of genital and urinary tract infections, (e. g. in patient undergoing surgery or exploratory procedure), pyelitis (inflammation of a region of the kidney called the pelvis).

Dosage

Adults, depending upon condition being treated, in the order of 50100mg 4 tines each day for 1 week (or once a day at bedtime if for suppression of infection on longer term basis). Prevention, 50mg 4 times each day during procedure and continuing for further 3 days afterwards). Children, for acute infections of urinary tract, aged 3 months to 10 years, in the order of 3mg per kg of body weight 4 times each day for 1 week; suppression in longer term, 1mg per kg of body weight once each day. Over 10 years, same as adult.

Special Care

Breast-feeding, diabetes, vitamin B deficiency, anaemia, imbalance of electrolytes (salts) levels. Elderly persons and patients undergoing long-term treatment should receive monitoring of liver and lung function.

Avoid Use

Women at end of pregnancy, kidney disorders.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Probenecid, quinolones, magnesium trisilicate, sulphinpyrazone.

Known Side Effects

Gastro-intestinal upset, blood changes, allergic reactions. Drug should be stopped immediately if signs of peripheral nerve damage, lung disorder, breakdown of red blood cells (haemolysis), hepatitis occur.