Furadantin

General Information

Furadantin is an antibiotic which is used to treat and prevent urinary tract infections. The drug is contra-indicated in pregnant patients at term as well as in infants under one month of age because of the possibility of haemolytic anaemia due to immature enzyme systems. The mechanism by which furadantin kills bacteria is unknown. However it is well absorbed from the gut and reaches high concentrations in the urine where it kills the bacteria responsible for these infections. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the effects of furadantin. This may increase the chance of side effects during treatment. Furadantin passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast feeding a baby. Sudden and serious reactions easy characterized a fever, are cooled, cough, a pain of a breast, and breath of difficulty. These sharp reactions usually occur within the first week after treatment and falling when therapy with nitrofurantoin is stopped. If you are taking this medication to treat an infection, continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days.

Furadantin Dosage

The dose of furadantin will be different for different patients.
For adults and adolescents - 50 to 100 mg once a day at bedtime.
For ahildren 1 month of age and older - Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor.
For ahildren up to 1 month of age - Use is not recommended.

Side Effects of Furadantin

Some common side effects reported with this medicine include:

Changes in facial skin color.
Yellow or brown colouration of urine.
Abdominal pain.
Sudden trouble in swallowing or breathing.
Nausea and vomiting.
Unusual tiredness or weakness.
Skin rash.

Warnings and precautions before taking Furadantin

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to furadantin or to any related medicines such as furazolidone (e.g., Furoxone) or nitrofurazone (e.g., Furacin).
This medication may cause your urine to be coloured.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. It must not be used if you are near the end of your pregnancy (38-42 weeks) or at the time of labor and delivery.

Overdosage

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222.

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