GPhC Registered: 9012621
Nitrofurantoin 100mg MR Capsules for Cystitis (UTI)
Nitrofurantoin 100mg MR Capsules for Cystitis (UTI)
• Antibiotic treatment for uncomplicated UTI
• 100mg modified-release capsule treatment option
• Prescription-only medicine following online assessment
• Discreet, regulated service with delivery available
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Experienced UK-registered prescribers
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2-minute consultation
UK-wide express delivery
About the product
What is Nitrofurantoin 100 mg MR?
Nitrofurantoin 100 mg modified-release capsules are an antibiotic used to treat uncomplicated lower urinary tract infections such as cystitis. They work by concentrating in the urine, where they help kill the bacteria causing the infection.
This product page refers to nitrofurantoin 100 mg modified-release capsules supplied on a private prescription following an online consultation.
How does Nitrofurantoin work?
Nitrofurantoin is taken up by bacteria in the urine and damages their DNA and vital enzymes. Because it concentrates in the bladder, it is effective for lower UTIs such as cystitis but does not treat infections of the kidneys or tissues outside the urinary tract.
What is Nitrofurantoin 100 mg MR used for on this page?
On this product page, nitrofurantoin 100 mg modified-release capsules are used specifically for:
- Uncomplicated lower UTI in Females without fever or flank pain
- Typical cystitis symptoms such as burning when passing urine, urgency and frequency
It is not used here for:
- Suspected pyelonephritis or upper UTI with fever, flank or back pain, rigors or systemic illness
- Catheter-associated UTI without clinical assessment
- Prostatitis, urethritis due to STIs, or recurrent complicated infections
- Children
Your prescriber will confirm nitrofurantoin is appropriate based on your symptoms, medical history, kidney function and any other medicines you are using.
Who may be suitable for Nitrofurantoin 100 mg MR?
You may be suitable if:
- You have typical lower UTI symptoms without red flags
- Your kidney function is adequate to clear the medicine
- You are able to take capsules with food and maintain good hydration
Your prescriber will consider:
- Onset and severity of symptoms, pregnancy status and any previous urine culture results
- Kidney function and relevant medical history
- Allergies, past reactions to nitrofurantoin or other antibiotics
- Current medicines and medical conditions
before deciding if nitrofurantoin is suitable for you.
Who should not use Nitrofurantoin 100 mg MR or needs medical advice first?
Do not use without medical advice if you:
- Have symptoms suggesting a kidney infection such as fever, flank pain, vomiting or feeling very unwell
- Have known severe kidney impairment or reduced renal function where nitrofurantoin may not work safely
- Are allergic to nitrofurantoin
- Are near term in pregnancy or have been told this medicine is not suitable for you in pregnancy
- Have a history of nitrofurantoin-related lung, liver or nerve side effects
Use with caution and seek prescriber advice if you:
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency
- Have peripheral neuropathy, anaemia, diabetes or vitamin B deficiency
- Have chronic lung, liver or kidney disease
- Are taking medicines such as probenecid or antacids that may affect treatment
How do I take Nitrofurantoin 100 mg MR?
Your prescriber will confirm the exact directions.
Practical advice:
- Take with food or milk to improve absorption and reduce stomach upset
- Swallow the capsule whole with water
- Space the doses as evenly as possible, usually morning and evening
- Finish the full course unless you are told otherwise by a healthcare professional
If your symptoms get worse, do not improve, or you become more unwell during treatment, seek medical advice.
General self-care advice
- Drink at your normal level to stay comfortable unless you have been advised to limit fluids
- Consider simple pain relief such as paracetamol if suitable for you
- Avoid bladder irritants such as caffeine and alcohol until symptoms settle
- Empty your bladder fully and do not delay urination
Side effects and when to get help
Common side effects can include nausea, loss of appetite, headache and dizziness. Urine may turn yellow or brown, which is harmless.
Seek medical advice urgently if you develop shortness of breath, cough, chest pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes, severe diarrhoea, rash, swelling of the face, tingling or numbness, or signs of a serious allergic reaction after taking the medicine.
How it works
Online consultation
Fill out a simple online form with no GP or pharmacy visits.
Clinical review
A UK-registered pharmacist reviews your details to decide the best treatment option for you.
Receive your prescription
If prescribed, you can get express delivery in discreet packaging right to your doorstep.
Delivery Information
Royal Mail Tracked 24
1–2 working days
£3.99
DPD Next Working Day Delivery
Next working day delivery
£6.95
Royal Mail Special Delivery
Guaranteed next working day delivery
£8.95
Discreet Packaging
All orders are sent in plain, unmarked packaging with no indication of the contents. Your privacy is our priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people start to feel symptom relief within 24 to 48 hours, but it can take longer for symptoms to fully settle. It is important to complete the course as directed.
If your symptoms are not improving, if they worsen, or if you become more unwell, seek further medical advice. You may need reassessment, a urine culture or a different treatment.
Nitrofurantoin can sometimes be used in pregnancy for lower UTI, but it is not suitable in every stage of pregnancy. If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or are trying for a baby, make sure this is included in your consultation.
Nitrofurantoin needs adequate kidney function to reach the urine at effective levels. Your prescriber will check whether it is suitable and advise alternatives if needed.
Alcohol is not known to directly stop nitrofurantoin working, but it can worsen dehydration and make you feel less well. It is sensible to keep alcohol low while you are unwell.
Take it when you remember unless it is close to the next dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed capsule.
If your symptoms resolve completely, a routine test is not usually needed. Arrange follow-up if symptoms persist, return quickly, or if you have recurrent UTIs or risk factors.
Not all urinary symptoms are caused by a simple bladder infection, and some symptoms need urgent medical review. A consultation helps check whether this antibiotic is likely to be appropriate and whether there are any warning signs.
No. This information supports, but does not replace, advice from your GP, pharmacist or another qualified healthcare professional. Always follow the directions on your prescription and the patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine.
Regulated and Safe
General Pharmaceutical Council
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LegitScript certification
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