Nitrofurantoïne pour les infections urinaires

A propos de la nitrofurantoïne

What is nitrofurantoin used for?

Nitrofurantoin is a type of antibiotic used to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs) in adults and children over 3 months.

Most UTIs are caused by germs (bacteria) that come from your own bowel. They are usually easily treated with a short course of an antibacterial medicine such as nitrofurantoin.

Occasionally, longer-term treatment is needed to prevent infections from coming back. Nitrofurantoin works by killing the bacteria causing the infection.

Side effects of nitrofurantoin

Common side effects of nitrofurantoin are:

• Se sentir malade.

• Être malade.

• Perte d'appétit.

• Sensation de vertige ou de somnolence.

• Itchy rash.

Vous trouverez une liste complète dans la notice d'information du fabricant fournie avec votre médicament.

Les effets indésirables s'atténuent souvent au fur et à mesure que votre corps s'adapte au nouveau médicament, mais parlez-en à votre médecin ou à votre pharmacien si l'un des effets suivants persiste ou devient gênant.

How to manage nitrofurantoin side effects

Si vous ressentez d'autres symptômes qui pourraient être dus au médicament, demandez conseil à votre médecin ou à votre pharmacien.

Who should not take nitrofurantoin

Some medicines aren’t suitable for certain health conditions or may require extra care. Before taking nitrofurantoin, it is important to let your doctor know:

• Si vous êtes enceinte ou si vous allaitez. Bien que la nitrofurantoïne puisse être prise pendant la grossesse, il est important que vous informiez votre médecin de votre grossesse.

• Si vous avez des problèmes de fonctionnement du foie ou des reins.

• Si vous souffrez de diabète (diabète sucré).

• Si l'on vous a dit que vous étiez anémique, ou si vous avez un faible taux de vitamine B ou d'acide folique.

• Si vous avez des problèmes respiratoires.

• Si vous souffrez d'un problème où vos nerfs provoquent des douleurs ou des engourdissements, appelé neuropathie périphérique.

• Si l'on vous a dit que vous étiez atteint de l'une des rares maladies héréditaires suivantes : porphyrie ou déficit en glucose-6-phosphate déshydrogénase (G6PD).

• Si vous prenez d'autres médicaments. Cela inclut tous les médicaments disponibles sans ordonnance, ainsi que les médicaments à base de plantes et les médicaments complémentaires.

• Si vous avez déjà eu une réaction allergique à un médicament.

Comment prendre la nitrofurantoïne

• Read the information leaflet in the pack before starting. It explains nitrofurantoin and its possible side effects.

• Take nitrofurantoin exactly as your doctor instructs. Your dose depends on whether it’s for treating or preventing an infection. Follow the label instructions.

• Take each dose with food or a snack. Space doses evenly: four times a day = every 6 hours, twice a day = every 12 hours, once a day = every 24 hours.

• Finish the full course, even if you feel well, to prevent the infection from returning. Most courses last 3-7 days; for frequent urine infections, treatment may last up to six months.

• If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Do not take two doses at once to make up for a missed one.

Tirer le meilleur parti de votre traitement

• Most people feel better within a few days. If your symptoms don’t improve, see your doctor as you may need a different antibiotic.

• Nitrofurantoin can turn your urine yellow or brown. This is harmless.

• Check with a pharmacist before taking any other medicines. Some antacids can stop nitrofurantoin from working properly.

• If you take the contraceptive pill, its effectiveness may be reduced if you have vomiting or diarrhoea lasting more than 24 hours. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about extra precautions.

• Tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking nitrofurantoin before any treatment, as it can affect some tests.

• Nitrofurantoin can stop the oral typhoid vaccine from working. Inform your healthcare provider if you are due for any vaccinations.

Comment conserver la nitrofurantoïne

• Conservez tous les médicaments hors de la portée et de la vue des enfants.

• Conserver dans un endroit frais et sec, à l'abri de la chaleur et de la lumière directes.

• Le médicament liquide a une durée de vie de 30 jours après la première ouverture.

Informations importantes sur tous les médicaments

Questions fréquemment posées

How long does it take for nitrofurantoin take to work on a UTI?

Most people start to feel better within 2-3 days of taking nitrofurantoin for a UTI. Burning and urgency often improve first, while bladder pressure or discomfort may take a bit longer. Always finish the full course, even if you feel better.

Is nitrofurantoin safe to take during pregnancy?

Nitrofurantoin is generally considered safe to take during pregnancy, especially in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters. However, it’s usually avoided close to delivery (around weeks 38-42) as it may affect the baby’s red blood cells.

Can you drink alcohol on nitrofurantoin?

Yes, you can drink alcohol in moderation while taking nitrofurantoin as alcohol does not interfere with how it works. However, drinking too much can make side effects such as nausea, dizziness, or stomach upset feel worse.

What should you avoid while taking nitrofurantoin?

When taking nitrofurantoin, you should avoid taking antacids containing magnesium trisilicate as they can reduce how well the medicine works.

Does nitrofurantoin make you urinate more?

No, nitrofurantoin does not make you urinate more. If you feel like you’re peeing more often, it is usually because of the UTI itself, not the medication.

Does nitrofurantoin contain penicillin?

No, nitrofurantoin does not contain penicillin. It is a different type of antibiotic used mainly to treat urinary tract infections and works differently from penicillin.