Nitrofurantoin Capsule side effects
Reported Effects (Nuksanat)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal pain
- Brown or dark discolouration of urine (harmless)
Serious Effects and Warning Symptoms (Ahm alamat)
- Pulmonary toxicity — acute or chronic (rare but serious)
- Hepatotoxicity — liver damage (rare)
- Peripheral neuropathy — tingling or numbness in hands and feet (with prolonged use)
- Haemolytic anaemia (in G6PD deficiency)
A list does not determine frequency or prove causation. Seek medical advice for persistent, worsening or unexpected symptoms.
Interactions (Dawaon ke sath reaction)
Antacids containing magnesium trisilicate reduce absorption — avoid co-administration; Probenecid reduces renal excretion, increasing nitrofurantoin toxicity; Quinolone antibiotics antagonise nitrofurantoin — do not combine
Before Changing Treatment (Ilaj badalne se pehle)
- Don't use Nitrofurantoin Capsule if you are allergic to nitrofurantoin or any ingredient
- Avoid if GFR (kidney function) is below 45 mL/min — drug does not reach adequate urine concentrations
- Avoid in G6PD deficiency — risk of haemolytic anaemia
- Do NOT take in the last weeks of pregnancy (from 38 weeks) or during labour — it can cause haemolytic anaemia in the newborn. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.
- NOT effective for complicated UTI, pyelonephritis (kidney infection), or bacteremia — only for lower UTI
- Brown or dark discolouration of urine is harmless — warn patient in advance
- Stop and see doctor immediately if you develop chest pain, breathing difficulty, or persistent cough (pulmonary toxicity)
Related Information (Mazeed maloomat)
Full Nitrofurantoin Capsule guide · Uses · Dosage · Side effects
Educational information only. This editorial correction does not constitute a new clinician review. Confirm the local product leaflet and prescription with a qualified healthcare professional.