Nitrofurantoin

Nitrofurantoin Online

Nitrofurantoin 50mg is used as a treatment in bacterial infections of the urinary tract. Nitrofurantoin works by killing bacteria. It does this by slowing folate synthesis which is required by the bacteria for replication.

• What is Cystitis?

  Cystitis literally means inflammation of the bladder, however is commonly understood to be an infection of the urine, affecting the bladder.

• What are the symptoms of Cystitis?

  The most common symptoms of cystitis are;

  • Burning sensations / pain upon urination
  • Frequent urination, or feeling like you need to urinate frequently
  • Cloudy and / or foul-smelling urine
  • Pain just above the pubic bone

• Is cystitis a common infection?

  Yes, especially women, who are almost 10 times more likely to get cystitis than men. Women are more likely to suffer from cystitis because their urethra is smaller and it is in closer proximity to the anus compared to men.

• How can I prevent cystitis?

  Bladder infections are mostly contracted through the germs from bowel movements transferring from the anus to the urethra. Some types of bacteria rapidly grow in urine and make the infection much worse. This normally occurs in people who don’t go to the toilet enough which leads to infection due to the bacteria in the bladder system. Cystitis can also be caused by prostate problems and kidney stones in men. Dehydration and not drinking enough liquid can concentrate the urine and lead to infection.

• Can cystitis cause any complications?

  Cystitis in men is usually an indication of a more serious problem and requires medical help from your GP. It can also be caused by STI’s which can have other complications Men should see their GP if they suffer from cystitis. Women can use treatment without face to face referral but if it doesn’t clear up, medical advice is needed. This is because if left untreated after it hasn’t cleared up, it can lead to a serious kidney infection.

• What treatments are there for Cystitis?

  For milder cases of Cystitis, treatment with potassium citrate sachets may be sufficient. For more stubborn infections, a course of antibiotics such as Trimethoprim, may be required.

• What is the best antibiotic for cystitis?

  This depends on what bacteria is causing your infection. The most common type of bacteria which causes uncomplicated UTI’s is E coli. The antibiotics which are given to treat this bacteria are Trimethoprim or Nitrofurantoin. If your symptoms do not improve after completing a course of these antibiotics, it is important to see you GP to have your urine tested in case it is a different bacteria which needs a different antibiotic.

• What causes Cystitis?

  Cystitis is inflammation of the bladder, usually caused by a bladder infection.

  It's not always clear how this happens, but it can be caused by:

  • having sex

  • wiping your bottom after going to the toilet – particularly if you wipe from back to front

  • inserting a tampon or urinary catheter (a thin tube inserted into the urethra to drain the bladder)

  • using a diaphragm for contraception

  Women may get cystitis more often than men because their anus (back passage) is closer to their urethra, and their urethra is much shorter, which means bacteria may be able to get into the bladder more easily.

• Can you buy over the counter treatment for cystitis?

  Sodium bicarbonate or potassium citrate can be purchased over the counter to help alleviate the symptoms of cystitis. These products reduce the acidity of their urine but there's a lack of evidence to suggest they're effective.

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.

• Nitrofurantoin PIL