Furadantin is essentially a regional-to-mid-range brand with a narrow registered footprint, available in nine countries scattered across Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, North Africa, South Asia, and North America. The brand sits in markets as varied as Sweden, the United Kingdom, Tunisia, India, and the USA, but it is far from universally distributed, and a traveller used to seeing Furadantin in one of these countries may not encounter the same brand elsewhere.
The active ingredient is nitrofurantoin, a long-established antibacterial used principally in the management of urinary tract infections — including cystitis and urethritis — and other infections of the urinary system. Nitrofurantoin has been part of the urinary anti-infective toolkit for many decades and remains a familiar option in many national prescribing guidelines for uncomplicated lower urinary tract infections.
Although the Furadantin brand itself is registered in only a handful of countries, nitrofurantoin as a molecule is much more broadly available worldwide, frequently under different brand names or as unbranded generic nitrofurantoin. A patient who has been prescribed Furadantin at home and is now travelling or relocating will in many cases find the same active ingredient available in the destination country, simply packaged and labelled differently.
A local pharmacist is usually the right first point of contact for identifying a regional nitrofurantoin product, and a prescriber familiar with local resistance patterns can advise on whether nitrofurantoin remains the appropriate choice in that setting. Antibiotic therapy is not a self-service decision: starting, continuing, or substituting any antibacterial should involve a healthcare provider.
Symptoms
Symptoms and signs of overdose include gastric irritation, nausea and vomiting.
Management
There is no known specific antidote. However, Nitrofurantoin can be haemodialysed in cases of recent ingestion. Standard treatment is by induction of emesis or by gastric lavage. Monitoring of full blood count, liver function, and pulmonary function tests are recommended. A high fluid intake should be maintained to promote urinary excretion of the drug.
Three years
-
- Patients suffering from renal dysfunction with an eGFR of less than 45 ml/minute.
- ).
- In infants under three months of age as well as pregnant patients at term (during labour and delivery) because of the theoretical possibility of haemolytic anaemia in the foetus or in the newborn infant due to immature erythrocyte enzyme systems.
None known.
Furadantin Suspension contains glycerol, polysorbate-20, Carbomer, Saccharin sodium, Methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218), Propyl parahydroxybenzoate (E216), Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Hydroxide, flavourings (Lemon Essence F31874 and Apricot Flavour F31191) and purified water.
An opaque yellow liquid with a lemon/apricot charateristic odour.
A tabulated list of undesirable effects is outlined below:
The undesirable effects are listed according to organ systems and following frequencies:
Rare (>1/10,000 to <1/1,000)
Not known (cannot be estimated from the available data)
|
System organ class |
Frequency |
Adverse reaction |
|
Infections and infestations |
Not known |
Superinfections by fungi or resistant organisms such as Pseudomonas. However, these are limited to the genitourinary tract |
|
Blood and lymphatic system disorders |
Rare Not known |
Aplastic anaemia Agranulocytosis, leucopenia, granulocytopenia, haemolytic anaemia, thrombocytopenia,glucose¬6-phosphatedehydrogenase deficiency anaemia, megaloblastic anaemia and eosinophilia |
|
Immune system disorders |
Not known |
Allergic skin reactions, angioneurotic oedema and anaphylaxis |
|
Psychiatric disorders |
Not known |
depression, euphoria, confusion, psychotic reactions |
|
Nervous system disorders |
Not known |
Peripheral neuropathy including optic neuritis (sensory as well as motor involvement), nystagmus, vertigo, dizziness, headache and drowsiness. Benign intracranial hypertension |
|
Cardiac disorders |
Rare |
Collapse and cyanosis |
|
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders |
Not known |
Acute pulmonary reactions, Subacute pulmonary reactions* Chronic pulmonary reactions Cough, Dyspnoea, Pulmonary fibrosis; possible association with lupus-erythematous-like syndrome. |
|
Gastrointestinal disorders |
Not known |
Sialadenitis, Pancreatitis, Nausea, Anorexia, Emesis, Abdominal pain and Diarrhea. |
|
Hepatobiliary disorders |
Not known |
Cholestatic jaundice, Chronic active hepatitis**, Hepatic necrosis |
|
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders |
Not known |
Transient alopecia Exfoliative dermatitis and erythema multiforme (including Stevens-Johnson Syndrome), maculopapular, erythematous or eczematous eruptions,urticaria, rash, and pruritis. Lupus-like syndrome associated with pulmonary reaction. Drug Rash With Eosinophilia And Systemic Symptoms (DRESS syndrome), cutaneous vasculitis |
|
Renal and urinary disorders |
Not known |
Yellow or brown discolouration of urine |
|
General disorders and administration site conditions |
Not known |
Asthenia, fever, chills, drug fever and arthralgia |
|
Investigations |
Not known |
False positive urinary glucose |
*Acute pulmonary reactions usually occur within the first week of treatment and are reversible with cessation of therapy. Acute pulmonary reactions are commonly manifested by fever, chills, cough, chest pain, dyspnoea, pulmonary infiltration with consolidation or pleural effusion on chest x-ray, and eosinophilia. In subacute pulmonary reactions, fever and eosinophilia occur less often than in the acute form. Chronic pulmonary reactions occur rarely in patients who have received continuous therapy for six months or longer and are more common in elderly patients. Changes in ECG have occurred, associated with pulmonary reactions
**Fatal events have been reported.
Reporting of Adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
A carcinogenic effect of Nitrofurantoin in animal studies was observed. However, human data and extensive use of Nitrofurantoin over 50 years do not support such observation.
For the treatment of and prophylaxis against acute or recurrent, uncomplicated lower urinary tract infections or pyelitis either spontaneous or following surgical procedures. It is indicated in adults and children over 3 months of age.
Nitrofurantoin is specifically indicated for the treatment of infections when due to susceptible strains of Escherichia coli, Enterococci, Staphylococci, Citrobacter, Klebsiella and Enterobacter.
Pharmacotherapeutic group: Antibacterials for systemic use, Nitrofuran derivatives
ATC code: J01XE01
Mechanism of action
Nitrofurantoin is a broad-spectrum antibacterial agent, active against the majority of urinary pathogens. The wide range of organisms sensitive to the bactericidal activity include:
Escherichia coli
Enterococcus Faecalis
Klebsiella Species
Enterobacter Species
Staphylococcus Species, e.g. S.Aureus, S.Saprophyticus, S.Epidermidis
Citrobacter Species
Clinically most common urinary pathogens are sensitive to Nitrofurantoin. Most strains of Proteus and Serratia are resistant. All pseudomonas strains are resistant.
Absorption
Orally administered Nitrofurantoin is readily absorbed in the upper gastrointestinal tract and is rapidly excreted in the urine. Blood concentrations at therapeutic dosages are usually low
Elimination
Maximum urinary excretion usually occurs 2-4 hours after administration of Nitrofurantoin. Urinary drug dose recoveries of about 40-45% are obtained. It has an elimination half-life of about 30 minutes
12/04/2018
Mercury Pharmaceuticals Ltd,
Capital House,
85 King William Street,
London EC4N 7BL, UK
Do not store above 25°C. Store in the original container in order to protect from light and moisture.
This Suspension is supplied in 300ml amber glass bottles.
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
PL 12762/0055
Pregnancy
Animal studies with Nitrofurantoin have shown no teratogenic effects. Nitrofurantoin has been in extensive clinical use since 1952 and its suitability in human pregnancy has been well documented. However, as with all other drugs, the maternal side effects may adversely affect course of pregnancy. The drug should be used at the lowest dose as appropriate for specific indication, only after careful assessment. Nitrofurantoin is however contraindicated in infants under three months of age and in pregnant women during labour and delivery, because of the possible risk of haemolysis of the infants' immature red cells
Breast-feeding
Breast feeding an infant known or suspected to have an erythrocyte enzyme deficiency (including G6PD deficiency), must be temporarily avoided, since Nitrofurantoin is detected in trace amounts in breast milk.
Contains 25mg Nitrofurantoin Ph. Eur. per 5ml
Excipient(s) with known effect
Nitrofurantoin is not effective for the treatment of parenchymal infections of unilaterally non-functioning kidney. A surgical cause for infection should be excluded in recurrent or severe cases.
Nitrofurantoin may be used with caution as short-course therapy only for the treatment of uncomplicated lower urinary tract infection in individual cases with an eGFR between 30-44 ml/min to treat resistant pathogens, when the benefits are expected to outweigh the risks.
Since pre-existing conditions may mask adverse reactions, Nitrofurantoin should be used with caution in patients with pulmonary disease, hepatic dysfunction, neurological disorders, and allergic diathesis.
Peripheral neuropathy and susceptibility to peripheral neuropathy, which may become severe or irreversible, has occurred and may be life threatening. Therefore, treatment should be stopped at the first signs of neural involvement (paranesthesia).
Nitrofurantoin should be used with caution in patients with anaemia, diabetes mellitus, electrolyte imbalance, debilitating conditions and Vitamin B (particularly folate) deficiency.
Acute, subacute and chronic pulmonary reactions have been observed in patients treated with nitrofurantoin. If these reactions occur, nitrofurantoin should be discontinued immediately.
Chronic pulmonary reactions (including pulmonary fibrosis and diffuse interstitial pneumonitis) can develop insidiously, and may occur commonly in elderly patients. Close monitoring of the pulmonary conditions of patients receiving long-term therapy is warranted (especially in the elderly).
Patients should be monitored closely for signs of hepatitis (particularly in long terms use).
Urine may be coloured yellow or brown after taking Nitrofurantoin. Patients on Nitrofurantoin are susceptible to false positive urinary glucose (if tested for reducing substances).
Nitrofurantoin should be discontinued at any sign of haemolysis in those with suspected glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency.
Gastrointestinal reactions may be minimised by taking the drug with food or milk, or by adjustment of dosage.
Discontinue treatment with Nitrofurantoin if otherwise unexplained pulmonary, hepatic, haematological or neurological syndromes occur.
Nitrofurantoin may cause dizziness and drowsiness. Patients should be advised not to drive or operate machinery if affected in this way until such symptoms go away.
Posology
Adults
Acute Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections: 50mg four times daily for seven days
Severe Chronic Recurrence: 100mg four times a day for seven days
Long Term Suppression: 50mg - 100mg once a day.
Prophylaxis: 50mg four times daily for the duration of procedure and 3 days thereafter.
Paediatric population
Children and Infants over three months of age
Acute Urinary Tract Infections: 3mg/kg/day in four divided doses for seven days.
Suppressive: 1mg/kg, once a day.
Elderly
Provided there is no significant renal impairment, in which Nitrofurantoin is contraindicated, the dosage should be that for any normal adult. See precaution and risks to elderly patients associated with long term therapy.
Renal impairment
Nitrofurantoin is contraindicated in patients with renal dysfunction and in patients with an eGFR of less than 45 ml/minute.
Method of administration
For oral use
Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.
Furadantin suspension should be protected from light, as exposure will cause darkening of the active principle. Because of this, amber bottles should be used in dispensing.
31/03/2000
1. Increased absorption with food or agents delaying gastric emptying.
2. Decreased absorption with magnesium trisilicate.
3. Decreased renal excretion of Nitrofurantoin by probenecid and sulfinpyrazone.
4. Decreased anti-bacterial activity by carbonic anhydrase inhibitors and urine alkalisation.
5. Anti-bacterial antagonism by quinolone anti-infectives.
6. Interference with some tests for glucose in urine
7. As Nitrofurantoin belongs to the group of Antibacterials it will have the following resulting interactions:
Oestrogens: Antibacterials that do not induce liver enzymes possibly reduce contraceptive effect of oestrogens (risk probably small, Interactions of combined oral contraceptives may also apply to combined contraceptive patches).
Typhoid Vaccine (oral): Antibacterials inactivate oral typhoid vaccine.
Furadantin is prescribed for urinary tract infections, including cystitis and urethritis, and related bacterial infections of the urinary system. Nitrofurantoin has been used in this indication area for decades and remains a familiar choice in many national formularies for uncomplicated lower urinary tract infections. The structured indication section below this introduction lists each registered use of Furadantin in the markets where it is sold.
Furadantin contains nitrofurantoin, an antibacterial agent used principally in urinary tract infections. The same molecule circulates internationally under a number of different brand names and as generic nitrofurantoin, particularly in countries where the original brand is not registered. The molecule itself is well established and appears in many national essential medicines lists in some form.
Furadantin is registered in nine countries, with a footprint that spans Northern Europe, the British Isles, the Mediterranean, North Africa, South Asia, and North America. Examples include Sweden, the United Kingdom, India, Tunisia, Iceland, and the USA. If your country is not on this list, a local pharmacist can usually confirm whether nitrofurantoin is available locally under a different brand or as a generic.
Nitrofurantoin is sold under several brand names worldwide, as well as in unbranded generic form in many markets. Other antibacterial agents used for urinary tract infections also exist, although they are not freely interchangeable — antibiotic choice depends on the specific infection, local resistance patterns, and patient factors. To identify a local nitrofurantoin product, search the active ingredient on Pill2Trip or ask a pharmacist.
Yes. Furadantin is a prescription antibacterial, and like all antibiotics it should be used under medical supervision rather than self-selected. Prescription requirements, available formulations, and even first-line recommendations for urinary tract infections vary between countries, which is particularly relevant for travellers and people relocating. Any decision to start, continue, or substitute nitrofurantoin should be made with a healthcare provider familiar with the patient.
