The active ingredient in Furadantin is nitrofurantoin. It is that it enters bacterial cells and affects several enzyme systems needed for the bacteria to survive. This causes damage to bacterial DNA, protein production, and cell wall processes. These effects stop the growth of bacteria that commonly cause UTIs, including E. coli, enterobacter, staphylococcus, and klebsiella. Nitrofurantoin works best in the urine, which is why it is specifically used for urinary tract infections and not for infections in other parts of the body.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Furadantin. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Furadantin:

• The recommended dose is 50 to 100 mg four times a day, depending on your infection. Your healthcare provider will recommend what is best for you. Shake the suspension well before each dose to ensure the medicine is evenly mixed. Measure each dose accurately using a medication-measuring device.
• Furadantin oral suspension is usually taken with food to improve absorption and reduce stomach upset.
• Complete the full course, even if symptoms improve early. Stopping too soon may allow the infection to return.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take extra doses.
• Drink plenty of water unless your healthcare provider gives you different instructions.

Some mild or common side effects of Furadantin include:

• Nausea.
• Loss of appetite.
• Abdominal pain.
• Headache.
• Drowsiness.
• Diarrhea.
• Gas or bloating.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Furadantin. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Chest pain, shortness of breath, or severe cough, which may suggest a pulmonary reaction such as acute interstitial pneumonitis or pulmonary fibrosis.
• Signs of liver disease, such as jaundice, dark urine, or severe fatigue.
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hands or feet may indicate peripheral neuropathy.
• Symptoms of an allergic reaction, including hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of the face.
• Vision changes, which may indicate optic neuritis.
• Sudden anemia (low red blood cell count), especially in people with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency.
• Fever or persistent cough that worsens over time.
• Severe diarrhea, which may be a sign of C. difficile infection.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Furadantin. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Furadantin, it is important to tell your healthcare provider about your full medical history. Make sure they are aware if you have:

• Kidney disease or reduced kidney function may reduce the effectiveness of nitrofurantoin and increase the risk of toxicity.
• Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency increases the risk of hemolytic anemia.
• Liver disease, including a history of hepatitis or liver dysfunction.
• Lung problems or past pulmonary reactions to nitrofurantoin.
• Anemia or other hematologic conditions.
• Neuropathy or conditions affecting the nervous system.
• Diabetes.
• Vitamin B deficiency may increase the risk of nerve-related side effects.
• Long-term use may increase the risk of lung reactions, liver damage, and peripheral neuropathy. Furadantin is generally recommended for short-term treatment only.

• Significant kidney impairment.
• Known allergy or hypersensitivity to nitrofurantoin or any ingredient in the formulation.
• A history of cholestatic jaundice or liver dysfunction related to nitrofurantoin use.
• Neonate under 1 month of age.

Many people begin to feel better within 24 to 48 hours after starting Furadantin, although improvement may vary based on the severity of the infection. It is important to complete the full course to make sure the infection is fully treated and to prevent bacterial resistance.

When Furadantin is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Antacids containing magnesium trisilicate may reduce the absorption of nitrofurantoin.
• Probenecid or sulfinpyrazone may decrease kidney clearance of nitrofurantoin and raise the risk of toxicity.
• Supplements or products that affect kidney function.
• Other antibiotics may influence bacterial resistance.
• Medications that affect the liver or peripheral nerves.
• Prescription drugs that interact with renal elimination.

Furadantin is available as an oral suspension that contains 25 mg/5 mL nitrofurantoin. Your doctor will determine the right dose based on your age, weight, kidney function, and the type of urinary tract infection being treated. Pediatric and adult doses differ, and doses are usually given in divided doses throughout the day.

Store Furadantin at room temperature, out of reach of children and pets.

Furadantin is manufactured by Casper Pharma LLC.

Generic nitrofurantoin oral suspension is available. There are also other nitrofurantoin products and dosage forms, such as nitrofurantoin macrocrystals (Macrodantin) and nitrofurantoin monohydrate/macrocrystals (Macrobid), but these are different formulations and dosing schedules.

Do not stop taking Furadantin without consulting your healthcare provider. Stopping early can increase the risk of the infection returning or becoming harder to treat. If you develop serious side effects or symptoms suggesting toxicity, contact your healthcare provider right away, as they may adjust or discontinue the medication safely.

Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. Furadantin may be used in certain stages of pregnancy, but should not be used near delivery due to the risk of hemolytic anemia in newborns. Your healthcare provider will decide what is safest for you and your baby.

Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. Small amounts of nitrofurantoin pass into breast milk. It is generally not recommended for breastfeeding infants younger than 1 month of age or infants with G6PD deficiency.