1 May 2026Oral drugs
Nitrofurantoin oral
Nitrofurantoin guidance for uncomplicated cystitis when other antibiotics cannot be used, with renal and G6PD precautions.
Prescription under medical supervision
This guide page is for structured reference only and does not replace a clinician, pharmacist, or emergency review. Dose choice, route choice, interactions, and safety decisions still need professional judgment.
Therapeutic action
Antibacterial (group of nitrofuranes).
Indications
Uncomplicated cystitis, without fever or lower back pain, when no other antibiotic can be used.
Forms and strengths
- 100 mg tablet.
Dose and duration
- Adult: 100 mg 3 times daily for 5 to 7 days.
Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions
- Do not administer to patients with renal impairment, G6PD deficiency, or allergy to nitrofurantoin.
- May cause nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, brownish urine, haemolytic anaemia in patients with G6PD deficiency, pulmonary disorders, hepatic disorders, and allergic reactions.
- Do not administer simultaneously with antacids containing aluminium or magnesium hydroxide. Administer doses at least 2 hours apart.
- Pregnancy: contraindicated during the last month of pregnancy because of the risk of haemolysis in the newborn.
- Breast-feeding: avoid during the first month.
- Take during meals.
- Do not use nitrofurantoin to prevent cystitis.
Source
MSF Essential drugs practical guidelines (January 2026)
This page reproduces the structured reference information for this batch while leaving out the Storage and Remarks sections.
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