Product image of Nitrofurantoin Mercury Pharmaceuticals (Nitrofurantoin) supplied by GNH India

Nitrofurantoin Mercury Pharmaceuticals

Active Ingredient:
Nitrofurantoin
Origin:
EU

Nitrofurantoin Mercury Pharmaceuticals (Nitrofurantoin)

Nitrofurantoin, the active ingredient in Nitrofurantoin Mercury Pharmaceuticals, is a nitrofuran antibiotic presented as an oral tablet for oral use. It treats uncomplicated urinary tract infections in adult patients by targeting the bacteria that cause bladder infections, and is often chosen when alternative agents are unsuitable or resistance is a concern.

GNH India supplies Nitrofurantoin Mercury Pharmaceuticals as a licensed, GDP‑compliant international pharmaceutical supplier serving hospitals, pharmacies and clinics worldwide, providing reliable access to quality‑assured medicines for healthcare providers and patients.

Manufacturer / TM Owner

Mercury Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

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Indications & Clinical Uses

Nitrofurantoin is a nitrofuran antibiotic used to treat infections of the urinary tract.

  • Uncomplicated urinary tract infection: eliminates susceptible uropathogens and relieves dysuria and frequency.
  • Acute cystitis: provides rapid bacterial eradication, reducing symptom duration.
  • Prophylaxis of recurrent urinary tract infection: suppresses bacterial colonisation when used intermittently.

How It Works

  • Nitrofurantoin is reduced by bacterial flavoprotein enzymes to reactive nitro‑reduced metabolites. These metabolites bind to bacterial DNA and other macromolecules, causing structural damage and inhibiting bacterial replication. High urinary concentrations allow selective activity against urinary pathogens while systemic exposure remains low, limiting effects on host cells.

Side Effects

Nitrofurantoin may cause a range of adverse reactions, varying from mild to severe.

Common Side Effects

  • Nausea: mild stomach upset occurring early in therapy.
  • Loss of appetite: reduced desire to eat.
  • Headache: transient cranial discomfort.
  • Diarrhoea: loose stools, usually self‑limiting.
  • Metallic taste: altered taste sensation.
  • Rash: mild skin redness or itching.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

  • Pulmonary toxicity: interstitial lung disease presenting with cough and breathlessness.
  • Hepatic injury: elevated liver enzymes or jaundice.
  • Severe allergic reaction: anaphylaxis with swelling, hives, and airway compromise.
  • Hemolytic anemia: especially in patients with G6PD deficiency.
  • Peripheral neuropathy: numbness or tingling in extremities.
  • Stevens‑Johnson syndrome: severe skin blistering and detachment.

Precautions & Warnings

Before prescribing nitrofurantoin, clinicians should consider several safety precautions to minimise risk.

  • Renal function assessment: avoid use in patients with creatinine clearance below 60 mL/min due to insufficient urinary concentrations.
  • Pregnancy category B: use only when clearly needed, as safety data are limited.
  • G6PD deficiency: contraindicated because of risk of hemolytic anemia.
  • Elderly patients: monitor for signs of pulmonary toxicity and reduced renal function.
  • Drug interaction review: assess concomitant medications that may affect absorption or clearance.
  • Store at room temperature: keep in the original container, protect from moisture and light.

Avoid Interactions

Nitrofurantoin can interact with other medicines, altering its efficacy or safety.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

  • Antacids containing magnesium or aluminum: markedly reduce nitrofurantoin absorption.
  • Probenecid: increases nitrofurantoin plasma levels, raising toxicity risk.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

  • Warfarin: may enhance anticoagulant effect, requiring INR monitoring.
  • Diuretics: can affect renal clearance, necessitating dose adjustment.
  • Oral contraceptives: may reduce contraceptive effectiveness, advise additional protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nitrofurantoin is indicated for the treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infections caused by susceptible bacteria. It is commonly prescribed for acute cystitis and may be used intermittently to prevent recurrent infections in patients with a history of frequent UTIs.

Nitrofurantoin is converted by bacterial flavoprotein enzymes into reactive metabolites that bind to bacterial DNA and other macromolecules. This binding damages the bacterial genome and interferes with essential cellular processes, ultimately inhibiting bacterial growth and leading to bacterial death.

The prescribed dose of Nitrofurantoin is set by the treating clinician based on factors such as the severity of infection, the patient’s renal function, age, and any relevant comorbidities. Dosage regimens are individualized and should follow the prescriber’s instructions.

Nitrofurantoin is classified as pregnancy category B, indicating that animal studies have not shown risk but adequate human data are lacking. It may be used during pregnancy only when clearly needed. Small amounts are excreted in breast milk; caution is advised, and the prescriber should evaluate the risk‑benefit ratio.

Enquiries for Nitrofurantoin Mercury Pharmaceuticals can be submitted through the product page on gnhindia.com. Provide the required quantity, and GNH India will contact you to verify institutional or trade credentials, then supply pricing, availability, shipping details and any necessary import documentation.

The most common alternative for uncomplicated UTIs is trimethoprim‑sulfamethoxazole. Nitrofurantoin offers a different mechanism of action and retains activity against many strains resistant to trimethoprim‑sulfamethoxazole. It is generally well‑tolerated but requires adequate renal function for urinary concentration, whereas trimethoprim‑sulfamethoxazole may be used in patients with reduced kidney function.

Nitrofurantoin tablets should be stored at room temperature, below 25 °C, in the original packaging to protect from moisture and light. Keep the container tightly closed and out of reach of children. Do not store in humid or excessively hot environments.

Nitrofurantoin is taken orally, usually as a tablet, with a full glass of water. It can be taken with food or milk to reduce gastrointestinal irritation. The exact timing and frequency are determined by the prescriber, and the full course should be completed even if symptoms improve.

Serious adverse reactions include pulmonary toxicity (interstitial lung disease), hepatic injury, severe allergic responses such as anaphylaxis, hemolytic anemia in patients with G6PD deficiency, peripheral neuropathy, and rare skin reactions like Stevens‑Johnson syndrome. Prompt medical attention is required if any of these occur.

Nitrofurantoin should be avoided in patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <60 mL/min), known hypersensitivity to nitrofurantoin or other nitrofurans, G6PD deficiency, and in those who have previously experienced serious pulmonary or hepatic reactions to the drug.

Published by

GNH India Pharmaceuticals Limited

Licensed pharmaceutical supplier

Last updated:

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