Known brand names include Macrobid.
A urinary antibiotic capsule (Macrobid) for uncomplicated bladder infections caused by E. coli or Staphylococcus saprophyticus. It is not for kidney infections, and it can cause lung, liver, and nerve reactions.
Sources: [1]
Nitrofurantoin and other urinary antibacterials are not on the ISMP acute care high-alert list.
Sources: [1]
The label does not describe a narrow therapeutic index or direct dosing by measured blood levels of the drug.
Sources: [1]
No specific antidote. Acute overdose has caused only vomiting; induce emesis and keep fluid intake high to promote urinary excretion. Nitrofurantoin is dialyzable.
Sources: [1]
Doses come from the FDA label. Study tool, not for clinical decisions.
Sources: [1]
Contraindicated with anuria, oliguria, or creatinine clearance under 60 mL/min (or clinically significant elevated serum creatinine), because impaired excretion raises the risk of toxicity. Renal impairment also makes peripheral neuropathy more likely.
A nitrofuran antibacterial. Bacterial flavoproteins reduce it to reactive intermediates that inactivate or alter ribosomal proteins and other macromolecules, blocking protein, DNA, RNA, and cell wall synthesis and aerobic energy metabolism; it is bactericidal in urine at therapeutic doses. Plasma levels stay low (peak usually under 1 mcg/mL), 20% to 25% of a dose appears unchanged in urine over 24 hours, and food raises bioavailability by about 40%. Macrobid combines 25% macrocrystals with 75% monohydrate in a powder that forms a gel matrix and releases drug over time.