Nitrofuratoin Flashcards
What are the indications of nitrofuratoin?
- 1st line for Uncomplicated UTI
What are the alternative treatments for UTIs other than nitrofuratoin?
- trimethoprim
- Amoxicillin
how does nitrofuratoin work?
Nitrofuratoin is metabolised in bacterial cells by nitrofuran reductase. This activates it. The drug damages bacterial DNA and causes cell death.
What bacteria is nitrofuratoin effective against?
Gram negative - Escheria Coli
Gram positive - Staphylococcus saprophyticus
What organisms that cause UTIs are intrinsically resistant to nitrofuratoin?
- Klebsiella
What are the side effects of nitrofuratoin?
- GI upset
- Allergic reaction
- can make urine dark yellow
- chronic pulmonary reactions
- hepatitis
- peripheral neuropathy (after prolonged use)
What side effects can occur in neonates who are given nitrofuratoin?
Haemolytic anaemia
What patients should nitrofuratoin be avoided in?
- pregnant women towards end of term
- babies in first 3 months
- ## renal impairment (increased toxicity due to less excretion)
What are the drug interactions of nitrofuratoin?
no drug interactions
What is the route of nitrofuratoin?
oral taken with food
What is the dose of nitrofuratoin for treatment of acute UTI?
50 - 100 mg every 6hours
3 days for women or 7 for men/if complicated
What is the dose of nitrofuratoin for prevention of recurrent UTIs?
50-100mg once daily for a maximum of 6 months
Nitrofuratoin is not prescribed for more complicated UTIs such as pyelonephritis. What are the other Abx options for these conditions?
- gentamicin
- co-amoxiclav
