• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Nitrofurantoin: Effectiveness and Side Effects of Treating UTIs

Published: February 26, 2025
Updated: February 26, 2025
4 mins

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an uncomfortable, sometimes painful infection affecting the urethra, kidneys, and bladder. Around 60% of women experience at least one urinary tract infection in their life. Fortunately, there are several medications available for immediate treatment.

When symptoms first arise, it may not always be obvious what’s causing the discomfort. Burning, itching, and lower abdominal pain from a UTI can last for weeks and progress to kidney problems if left untreated.

Nitrofurantoin is one of the top prescribed medications for treating chronic UTIs or bladder infections. It helps to alleviate symptoms by getting rid of harmful bacteria in the urinary tract.

Think you might have a UTI?

Schedule an online consultation for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment options.

Get Started

What Causes UTIs?

A UTI develops when harmful bacteria travel up the urethra into the bladder. Despite the misconception, chronic UTIs don’t typically stem from hygiene issues. Women experience UTIs more often than men because of a shorter urethra.

Several factors can increase a person’s risk of developing UTI, including:

• Taking birth control

• Experiencing hormonal changes

• Having high blood sugar levels

• Engaging in unprotected sexual intercourse

If you suspect your birth control is causing frequent UTIs, a healthcare provider can help you find an alternate option.

How Long Does it Take Nitrofurantoin to Work for UTIs?

While UTIs can be annoying, FDA-approved antibiotics like nitrofurantoin help get them out of the way faster. Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic that starts working within the first few days of using it. However, it’s important to use it for the full week to prevent the UTI from returning.

Skipping doses may also reduce the effectiveness of the medication, even if it seems like symptoms are going away. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless otherwise instructed by your healthcare provider.

How to Take Nitrofurantoin for UTIs

Healthcare providers typically prescribe nitrofurantoin as a seven-day medication for UTIs. Nitrofurantoin is available in both liquid and capsule form.

It’s often taken two to four times a day with food, depending on instructions from a licensed healthcare provider. Health experts recommend taking it at the same time daily and drinking plenty of water while taking the medication.

What is the Proper Dosage of Nitrofurantoin?

Nitrofurantoin typically comes in 25 mg (milligram) doses in liquid form and 50 or 100 mg doses in capsule form. A healthcare provider will determine the correct dosage for you based on several factors, like age and the severity of the infection.

A healthcare provider may suggest taking it up to four times a day if you have a severe UTI. However, it’s common for children to be prescribed lower dosages.

What are the Side Effects of Nitrofurantoin for UTIs?

You may experience mild to serious side effects while taking nitrofurantoin to treat a UTI. Mild symptoms that may occur include:

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Drowsiness

• Headache

• Vertigo

• Loss of appetite

Be sure to let a healthcare provider know and stop use if you notice more severe symptoms, like:

• Skin rash

• Fever

• Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin)

• Vision changes

• Persistent cough

• Trouble breathing

Who Should Avoid Taking Nitrofurantoin?

Nitrofurantoin is generally safe for both children and adults. However, a healthcare provider may prescribe an alternate medication if you:

• Have kidney disease

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding

• Have gout

• Taking other antibiotics

• Have liver disease

• Been diagnosed with certain genetic conditions

Potential Interactions with Other Medications

You may see nitrofurantoin listed under the brand names Macrobid, Macrodantin, and Furadantin. Be sure to let your healthcare provider know if you are taking any other medications or supplements. This may affect the dosage they recommend to you.

As with any other medication, it’s possible to have an allergic reaction to nitrofurantoin. Seek emergency help immediately if you have trouble breathing or show any symptoms of going into anaphylaxis (a life-threatening allergic reaction).

Tips for Preventing UTIs

Some people may naturally be more prone to UTIs regardless of good hygienic practices. However, there are small habits to be mindful of to reduce the risk of developing UTIs.

Keep the following tips in mind to further reduce the risk of developing a UTI:

• Go urinate as soon as you feel the urge.

• Stay well-hydrated.

• Always use the bathroom before and after sexual intercourse.

• Keep the genital area free of perfumes.

• Avoid using douches.

• Take showers instead of baths.

Cranberry juice and supplements are a remedy many people use to prevent UTIs and yeast infections. Cranberries may help reduce the prevalence of harmful bacteria like E. coli, which make up the majority of UTIs. However, more research is still needed to know how effective cranberries are in preventing UTIs directly.

Where Can I Learn More About Treating UTIs?

Some symptoms of a UTI may feel similar to a yeast infection. Be sure to see a licensed healthcare provider before starting medications to avoid worsening symptoms. At LifeMD, you can speak with a licensed healthcare provider about your options for treatment and tips for preventing UTIs.

Get started today and learn how to best protect yourself from a UTI.

LifeMD makes it easy to stay on top of your health because talking to a doctor, filling your prescriptions, getting your labs done—and more—are all easy and cost-effective. Come discover a healthcare solution built around you and your life.

Connect with a doctor now!

Join Now