Nitrofurantoin

Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic that is used for the treatment of urinary tract infections.  Nitrofurantoin is metabolized by bacteria, and the metabolites are the active forms of the drug that work by damaging DNA and inhibiting bacterial enzymes. Nitrofurantoin is bacteriostatic. Hemolytic anemia can occur in patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency and pulmonary fibrosis can occur after long-term use.  

Class Drugs

• Nitrofurantoin

Class Mechanism of Action

Metabolized by bacteria

• Metabolites damage DNA and inhibit bacterial enzymes

Bacteriostatic

Class Application

Urinary tract infections

Class Adverse Effects

Hemolytic anemia

• Encountered in patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency

Pneumonitis

• Pulmonary fibrosis can develop with long-term use

Not recommended in 1st trimester of pregnancy

Drug Table

Drug Name	Application	Comments	Image
Nitrofurantoin			"Nitro" "Fur" "Toe"