Nifuran (Nitrofurantoin 50mg)

Nifuran general information

What is Nifuran used for?

Nifuran tablets 50mg are used to treat acute urinary tract infection and prevent recurrent urinary tract infections that are caused by susceptible bacteria.  The most common urinary infection in women is bladder infection or cystitis, and in men infection of the prostate or prostatitis.  Nifuran tablets 50mg are also used to treat pyelitis, which is when the infection has travelled up the urinary tract and reached the kidney, causing pain and inflammation.  Nifuran tablets 50mg are a specific treatment for urinary tract infections but are not used for other types of bacterial infection. .

How does Nifuran work?

Nifuran tablets 50mg contain nitrofurantoin, a broad-spectrum antibiotic that is used specifically to treat urinary tract infection caused by a variety of susceptible bacteria.  Nitrofurantoin in Nifuran tablets 50mg exerts its antibacterial effect by damaging the bacterial DNA which inhibits bacterial replication and prevents the spread of infection.  Riboflavins in the bacterial cell convert nitrofurantoin to a form that is very reactive with bacterial proteins and other macromolecules like DNA, which prevent DNA synthesis as well as other metabolic processes, like production of the bacterial cell wall.  This action of nitrofurantoin in Nifuran tablets 50mg kills the bacteria and prevents spread of infection.  Nifuran tablets 50mg are effective against most of the bacteria that cause urinary tract infections including, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus Faecalis and several species of Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Staphylococcus and Citrobacter.

What does Nifuran contain?

Nifuran tablets 50mg contain the active ingredient nitrofurantoin, an antibiotic that is used specifically to treat urinary tract infection.  They also contain acacia, alginic acid, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, maize starch, sodium laurilsulfate, sucrose.

Treating urinary tract infection with Nifuran

Nifuran tablets 50mg contain nitrofurantoin, a broad-spectrum antibiotic that is used to treat acute urinary tract infection and prevent recurrent urinary tract infections that are caused by susceptible bacteria.  The most common urinary infection in women is bladder infection or cystitis, and in men infection of the prostate or prostatitis.  Nitrofurantoin in Nifuran tablets 50mg is converted by bacterial riboflavins to a form that is very reactive with bacterial proteins and other macromolecules like DNA, which prevent DNA synthesis as well as other metabolic processes like production of the bacterial cell wall.  This antibacterial action of nitrofurantoin in Nifuran tablets 50mg inhibits bacterial replication and prevents the spread of infection. 

What are the side effects of Nifuran?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Nifuran tablets 50mg include gastrointestinal upset, mainly nausea and flatulence, headache, urine discolouration.  Less common side effects include, peripheral neuropathy, dizziness; drowsiness.

When should Nifuran not be used?

You should not use Nifuran tablets 50mg if you:

• are allergic to nitrofurantoin or any ingredients in Nifuran
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding
• have kidney disease or urine problems, such as producing less urine than normal (oliguria) or having trouble producing any urine (anuria)
• are taking medicines that interact with Nifuran including antacids containing magnesium trisilicate, probenecid and sulphinpyrazone for gout, quinolone antibiotics

What medications interact with Nifuran?

Several medications interact with Nifuran tablets 50mg and should either not be taken while you are taking Nifuran or only after discussion and instruction from your doctor:

• Drugs that cause a serious reaction or increase side effects with Nifuran: probenecid and sulphinpyrazone for gout
• Drugs that affect Nifuran: antacids containing magnesium trisilicate, probenecid and sulphinpyrazone for gout, quinolone

How should Nifuran be taken?

You should take your Nifuran tablets 50mg swallowed whole with a glass of water and with food or with a glass of milk, 4 times daily for 7 days, if you have an acute urinary tract infection.  For prophylaxis (prevention) of urinary tract infection, you should take one tablet at bedtime for up to 6 months.  You should continue to take your Nifuran tablets 50mg according to your doctor’s recommendations or until you have completed your course.  If you do not complete your course of Nifuran tablets 50mg your infection may not fully clear up or may return. 

How long should you take Nifuran?

You should take your Nifuran tablets 50mg for 7 days for an acute urinary tract infection or for up to 6 months for prophylaxis (prevention) of urinary tract infection.  You should complete your course of Nifuran tablets 50mg or your infection may not fully clear up or may return. 

Missed dose of Nifuran

If you miss a dose of Nifuran tablets 50mg take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not take a double dose.

How should Nifuran be stored?

You should store your Nifuran tablets 50mg below 25°C in a cool dry place.