Nitrofurantoin SR 100 mg
NITROTIME SR 100 contains Nitrofurantoin SR 100 mg and is marketed by Steris Healthcare. Nitrofurantoin is an antibacterial medicine primarily used for the treatment of certain lower urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by susceptible bacteria. The sustained-release (SR) formulation is designed to provide prolonged drug exposure according to the prescribed dosing schedule.
What is Nitrofurantoin SR 100 mg Used For?
Nitrofurantoin SR 100 mg is primarily prescribed for bacterial infections of the urinary bladder, particularly uncomplicated lower urinary tract infections such as acute cystitis, when the causative bacteria are susceptible to nitrofurantoin.
It is not generally used for infections outside the urinary tract or for suspected kidney infections because adequate therapeutic concentrations may not be achieved in kidney tissue. Symptoms such as high fever, chills, vomiting or pain in the side or back may require prompt medical evaluation for a possible upper urinary tract infection.
Why is Nitrofurantoin Important?
Urinary tract infections commonly occur when bacteria enter and multiply within the urinary tract. If an appropriate antibiotic is required, selecting a medicine active against the causative organism is important for effective treatment and responsible antibiotic use.
Nitrofurantoin is concentrated in the urine, where it can exert antibacterial activity against susceptible organisms. Its use should be based on appropriate clinical assessment, particularly when symptoms are recurrent, severe or atypical.
Key Benefits
What are the Benefits?
When prescribed appropriately, Nitrofurantoin SR 100 mg may:
Treat susceptible bacterial infections of the lower urinary tract.
Help relieve UTI symptoms by addressing the underlying bacterial infection.
Achieve high antibacterial concentrations in urine.
Provide an option for treatment of uncomplicated lower UTIs when clinically appropriate.
Help target urinary pathogens while having limited systemic distribution compared with many other antibiotics.
Antibiotics should only be used when a bacterial infection is suspected or confirmed and according to professional medical advice.
Side Effects
Possible side effects may include:
Nausea
Vomiting
Stomach discomfort
Loss of appetite
Headache
Dizziness
Diarrhea
Dark yellow or brownish urine
Taking nitrofurantoin with food or milk, when permitted by the product instructions, may help reduce stomach upset.
Serious Side Effects
Although uncommon, serious reactions can occur. Seek medical attention if you develop:
Difficulty breathing or persistent cough
Chest pain
Unexplained shortness of breath
Severe or persistent diarrhea
Yellowing of the skin or eyes
Unusual weakness or severe fatigue
Numbness, tingling or weakness in the hands or feet
Severe skin rash or facial swelling
Rare but important reactions associated with nitrofurantoin include pulmonary, hepatic and peripheral nerve complications, particularly with prolonged exposure or in susceptible individuals.
Available Substitute
The appropriate substitute depends on the causative organism, antibiotic susceptibility, infection location, kidney function, patient factors and local prescribing guidance.
Depending on the clinical situation, other antibiotics such as fosfomycin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole or selected beta-lactam antibiotics may be considered for certain lower UTIs.
These medicines are not automatic dose-for-dose substitutes for nitrofurantoin. A healthcare professional should select an alternative based on the individual clinical situation and, when appropriate, urine culture and sensitivity results.
Dosage Guidelines
Use NITROTIME SR 100 exactly as prescribed by your healthcare professional.
Important points include:
Follow the prescribed dose and treatment duration.
Take the medicine according to the product instructions.
Taking it with food may improve absorption and reduce gastrointestinal discomfort.
Complete the prescribed antibiotic course unless your healthcare professional tells you otherwise.
Do not share antibiotics with other people.
Do not use leftover antibiotics for a future infection.
Do not take an additional dose to compensate for a missed dose unless specifically advised.
If symptoms fail to improve or become worse during treatment, contact a healthcare professional.
Precautions & Warnings
Before taking Nitrofurantoin SR 100 mg, inform your healthcare professional if you have:
Reduced kidney function
A history of lung disease
Liver disease
Peripheral neuropathy
Anemia or other blood disorders
Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency
Previous allergy or serious reaction to nitrofurantoin
Nitrofurantoin may not be appropriate in significant renal impairment because inadequate urinary concentrations may reduce effectiveness and increase the risk of adverse effects.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Tell your healthcare professional if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding. Nitrofurantoin may be appropriate in certain circumstances, but its use near term and in individuals with specific blood disorders requires particular clinical consideration.
Important Use Precaution
Nitrofurantoin is intended primarily for susceptible lower urinary tract infections. If you develop fever, chills, flank or back pain, vomiting or significant systemic illness, seek medical evaluation because these symptoms may indicate a kidney infection or another condition requiring different treatment.
Mechanism of Action
Nitrofurantoin is converted by bacterial enzymes into reactive intermediates that damage several important bacterial cellular components.
These reactive metabolites can interfere with bacterial proteins, ribosomal function, DNA and other cellular processes, ultimately preventing bacterial growth and causing bacterial cell damage or death.
Because nitrofurantoin acts through multiple cellular mechanisms, it has antibacterial activity against various susceptible urinary pathogens. Its pharmacokinetic profile results in high concentrations in urine, making it particularly useful for selected lower urinary tract infections.
Conclusion
NITROTIME SR 100, containing Nitrofurantoin SR 100 mg and marketed by Steris Healthcare, is an antibacterial medicine primarily used for susceptible lower urinary tract infections, including uncomplicated cystitis.
Its key advantage is the achievement of effective antibacterial concentrations in urine, while its multiple antibacterial actions help damage susceptible bacteria. Nausea, stomach discomfort and changes in urine color can occur, while serious lung, liver or nerve-related reactions require prompt medical attention.
Nitrofurantoin should be used only when clinically appropriate and exactly as prescribed. It is not suitable for every type of urinary infection, particularly suspected kidney infections or certain patients with significant kidney impairment.
Use NITROTIME SR 100 under qualified medical supervision, complete the prescribed course, and seek medical advice promptly if symptoms worsen, persist or are accompanied by fever, flank pain or other signs of a more serious infection.
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