Authored: 28/08/2022
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Nitrofurantoin
Overview
- Four times daily dosage
- Three-day course
- For bacterial infections in the urinary tract
- The better value generic version of Macrobid
Overview
Order Nitrofurantoin Tablets Online UK
You can order nitrofurantoin tablets online from our UK registered online doctor and pharmacy service. This is used to treat cystitis, which is a common type of urinary tract infection (UTI), particularly in women.
Once you have completed the online doctor consultation, our doctors will review your assessment and prescribe the medicine if safe to do so. Our pharmacy team will then dispense and dispatch your prescription to your door.
What Is Nitrofurantoin?
It's an antibiotic medicine used to treat bacterial infections such as UTIs. Each tablet contains nitrofurantoin 50mg. In the UK, nitrofurantoin is a prescription-only medicine and must be prescribed by a doctor or healthcare professional.
It can be used to treat or prevent UTIs. Some people have recurrent infections and are then prescribed nitrofurantoin daily for several months to prevent future infections.
How Does It Work?
Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic commonly used to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs) such as cystitis and kidney infections. It's useful for UTIs because the drug is filtered into the urine and can work at the site of infection in the urinary tract.
It's effective against most bacteria that can cause UTIs and works by killing the bacteria causing the infection.
How Long Does It Take Nitrofurantoin to Work?
Improvement in symptoms can begin in as little as 24 hours, however to completely clear cystitis, it can take up to three days of treatment. Always finish your prescribed course of antibiotics to ensure all the bacteria has been cleared. If you are still experiencing any symptoms after three days of treatment, it is important that you speak to your doctor.
About Cystitis
Cystitis occurs when bacteria enters the normally sterile bladder. This leads to inflammation and irritation. The major symptoms of cystitis are:
- The urge to urinate frequently
- Pain when urinating
- Irritation and burning when urinating
- Dark or cloudy urine
- Urine with a strong smell
If you experience any lower back or flank pain while you have cystitis symptoms it could be a sign of a more serious kidney infection. You must seek medical attention immediately if this happens.
How to Take Nitrofurantoin
The nitrofurantoin dosage depends on the type of infection the medicine is treating. For cystitis, the usual dose is 50mg taken 4 times a day for 3 days. However, you should always take this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you to.
The tablets should always be taken with food or milk, this helps the medicine work more effectively. Carry on taking this medicine until the course is completed, even if you feel better. If you stop your treatment early, your problem could come back.
Nitrofurantoin Summary
| Dose | Take ONE tablet FOUR times a day for THREE days. Take with or after food. |
| Type of medicine | Antibiotic tablet |
| Mechanism | Kills bacteria in the bladder causing the infection |
| Active Ingredient | 50mg Nitrofurantoin |
| Price | From £11.99 |
| Side Effects | Can include stomach upset, headache, nausea, darkened urine (normal) |
Cystitis Alternatives
There are several antibiotics used to treat UTIs. This includes trimethoprim, fosfomycin, pivmecillinam, amoxicillin, and cefalexin.
Cystitis is considered to be a mild infection and can often get better within a few days. However, sometimes antibiotics are needed to clear the infection. A modified-release nitrofurantoin capsule version is commonly prescribed for cystitis. This is known as the brand name Macrobid. Each Macrobid capsule contains nitrofurantoin 100mg.
Trimethoprim is another antibiotic commonly used to treat cystitis. This also works to kill the bacteria causing cystitis and clear the infection.
Nitrofurantoin Side Effects
This medicine can cause side effects such as nausea, diarrhoea, stomach pain and headache. It can also cause your urine to change colour and become dark yellow or brown. This is normal and you should continue to take it as your doctor has prescribed.
Other side effects can be more serious. This includes jaundice, lung problems, cyanosis, and raised pressure in the skull. See section 4 of the patient information leaflet for a complete list of side effects, including serious side effects. If you experience any serious side effects, you should call your doctor immediately.
Written by Qualified Experts
All of our medication and condition content is written by UK qualified pharmacists and doctors.
Reviewed: 11/02/2025
FAQ
General Information
What is norethisterone?
Norethisterone is a synthetic version of progesterone, a sex hormone produced naturally in the body, used primarily to delay periods.
Usage & Dosage
How do I take norethisterone?
To delay your period, take norethisterone three days before your period is due. Take it three times daily for each day you want to delay your period (up to a maximum of 17 days). Your period should start 2–3 days after you stop taking it.
How does norethisterone work?
It works by maintaining high levels of the female hormone progesterone, which prevents your womb lining from shedding and thereby delays your period.
When will my period start again?
Your period should start approximately 2–3 days after you stop taking norethisterone.
Effectiveness & Results
Can I use norethisterone for heavy periods?
No, norethisterone may be prescribed short-term to help manage heavy periods, but it is not a long-term solution. Speak to your GP to explore appropriate treatments for heavy menstrual bleeding.
Can I become pregnant when using period delay tablets?
Yes, norethisterone is not a contraceptive. Use additional birth control methods to prevent pregnancy.
Side Effects & Safety
What are common side effects of norethisterone?
Common side effects may include nausea, headaches, mood changes, and breast tenderness. Some women may also experience spotting or changes in their menstrual cycle.
Can I take norethisterone if I am breastfeeding?
Consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding, as norethisterone may pass into breast milk and affect your baby.
Interactions
Are there any contraindications for using norethisterone?
Yes, women with a history of blood clots, liver disease, or hormone-sensitive cancers should avoid using norethisterone. Always consult your doctor.
Storage
How should I store norethisterone tablets?
Store the tablets in their original packaging at room temperature, away from moisture and direct sunlight.
Access & Cost
Can I use norethisterone regularly to delay my period?
Norethisterone is intended for temporary period delay only. Regular, long-term use is not recommended without consulting your GP.
What should I do if I miss a dose of norethisterone?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Reviews
Info Leaflet
Before taking any medication, it is important to read the Patient Information Leaflet. You can find information leaflets for your medicines by typing them into the search bar at medicines.org, or by contacting us.
Warnings
Nitrofurantoin Warnings
This medicine may not be suitable for everyone. It should not be taken by anyone who has had an allergic reaction to nitrofurantoin or a similar antibiotic or any of the ingredients listed in the tablets.
It is not suitable for those with severe kidney disease, porphyria or G6PD deficiency. See the patient information leaflet for more information.
You can drink alcohol while taking nitrofurantoin, but it should be avoided if possible.
Nitrofurantoin and Pregnancy
Nitrofurantoin is not suitable for women in the last stages of pregnancy. At the later stage of pregnancy, it may affect the baby. Please consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant while taking this medicine.
