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Nitrofurantoin
"Nitrofurantoin tablets are antibiotics that quickly tackle the urinary tract infection (UTI) called cystitis. It's one of the most prescribed treatments for this condition and side effects are usually mild if they occur at all."
What is nitrofurantoin?
Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic medication that comes in capsule form. We prescribe it in a strength of 100mg for prolonged release.
How does it work?
As they’re antibiotics, nitrofurantoin tablets can target and eliminate the harmful bacteria that have caused the infection in your urinary tract or bladder. So it helps to clear up the condition and relieve your symptoms.
How to use nitrofurantoin
For it to be effective, you need to take 1 nitrofurantoin capsule twice a day for 3 days. Ideally, at meal times with food or milk.
What foods to avoid while taking nitrofurantoin
With nitrofurantoin tablets, you can eat and drink normally while you’re taking this medicine.
Treatment results
As long as you take the full course of treatment, nitrofurantoin tablets/capsules can clear up your cystitis in 48-72 hours.
Important: Nitrofurantoin can only treat a single episode of cystitis. It’s not a preventative medication, so it can’t stop you from having UTIs in future.
Side effects of nitrofurantoin
Like all medicines, nitrofurantoin can cause side effects, though not everyone experiences them. When taking this antibiotic for cystitis, any side effects are typically mild and may include:
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting
- Loose stools
- Stomachache
For full details of side effects and correct use, please see the nitrofurantoin patient information leaflet. And if you’re worried about side effects, you can contact us in your Patient Record.
What is cystitis?
Cystitis can occur when your bladder becomes inflamed due to a urinary tract infection (UTI). It's considered a lower UTI because it affects the lower part of your urinary tract, specifically your urethra or bladder. The symptoms are normally mild, and a short course of antibiotic cystitis medicine is usually prescribed to treat it.
How long does cystitis last?
If you have a mild case of cystitis, it usually gets better on its own within a couple of days. However, if your symptoms haven't improved after 3 days, it’s best to seek advice and get the appropriate cystitis treatment.
What causes cystitis?
Cystitis typically occurs when bacteria enter your bladder or urethra (the tube that carries urine out of your body). Women and transgender women are more likely to get cystitis than men because their urethra is shorter and closer to the anus. As a result, there’s a greater possibility of bacteria coming into contact with your urethra and reaching your bladder.
What are the symptoms?
The most common signs of cystitis include feeling a frequent urge to urinate, needing to go to the toilet more often than usual, and experiencing a burning or stinging sensation when you do. Sometimes, you might also feel feverish, have discomfort in your lower stomach area, or even notice blood in your urine.
Treatment for cystitis
Mild UTI symptoms may resolve naturally within a few days if you drink plenty of water, avoid having sex, and follow other general advice.
However, antibiotics are often recommended if symptoms persist. Nitrofurantoin is the primary treatment for cystitis and it’s an antibiotic cystitis medicine you can only get on prescription.
Just complete our consultation questionnaire, which won’t take long, and we can make sure nitrofurantoin is right for you. If so, you can order it to collect it from over 700 Well Pharmacies.
To help manage symptoms such as burning and urgency, you can also buy cystitis relief sachets over-the-counter at any Well Pharmacy.
Pain relief tablets such as paracetamol and ibuprofen might also alleviate some discomfort.
How is cystitis diagnosed?
The only way to be certain you have cystitis is to provide a urine sample for testing. You may be able to request this from your GP and your urine will be checked for bacteria, blood cells, and other signs of infection.
If your symptoms are mild and you've had cystitis before, your doctor may well diagnose based on your symptoms alone. Especially if they're familiar with your medical history.
That’s why, during your consultation, we’ll ask if a doctor or nurse has previously diagnosed you as having cystitis and how many times you’ve been treated with antibiotics for the infection.
If you have been diagnosed with cystitis before and are confident you can recognise the symptoms of cystitis, our clinicians might decide to prescribe treatment.
