nitrofurantoin /nī′trōfyo͝oran″tō·in, -fyo̅o̅′rəntō″in/ , a urinary antibacterial drug. ▪ INDICATIONS: It is prescribed in the treatment of urinary tract infections caused by some gram-negative bacteria and a few gram-positive bacteria. Some of the more common bacteria that cause urinary tract infections are resistant to nitrofurantoin. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: Kidney dysfunction or known hypersensitivity to this drug prohibits its use. It is not given to children under 1 month of age or to pregnant or lactating women. It should be used with caution in people with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, vitamin B deficiency, anemia, diabetes mellitus, or electrolyte disturbances. ▪ ADVERSE EFFECTS: Among the most serious adverse effects is hypersensitivity pneumonitis, which can lead to fibrosis, neurotoxicity, and hemolytic anemia in patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. GI disturbances and fever are common.
