Nitrofurantoin 100mg MR Capsules – 3-Day UTI Course (6 Capsules)

Nitrofurantoin is a prescription-only antibiotic used to treat uncomplicated lower urinary tract infection (UTI, often called cystitis) in women. It is concentrated in the urine, where it acts against the bacteria that most often cause bladder infections. At Ways Pharmacy it is supplied only after a pharmacist has assessed your symptoms, checked for signs of a more serious infection and confirmed that an antibiotic is appropriate.

How to access this medicine

1. Choose and pay. Select the pack and check out.
2. Online health questionnaire and ID check. After payment you complete a short questionnaire and confirm your identity by uploading photo ID or showing it on a video call.
3. Pharmacist speaks with you. A GPhC-registered pharmacist contacts you by phone or video to confirm whether this medicine is suitable for you. If you are 16 or 17, a parent or guardian must join the video call.
4. If suitable, supplied the same day. Orders approved by 3pm on a weekday are posted the same day (see our shipping policy), or you can collect from our Holborn pharmacy once approved. If the medicine is not suitable — including when the pharmacist recommends advice only — you receive a full refund.

There is no separate consultation fee. If the medicine you chose is not suitable, the pharmacist may suggest another option.

About this medicine

Dosage

• One 100mg MR capsule twice a day, about 12 hours apart, for 3 days
• Take with food or milk, and swallow the capsule whole
• Finish the whole course, even if you feel better sooner
• One course is supplied per infection. A further supply is possible only after the pharmacist has reassessed you.

Symptoms usually start to improve within 24 to 48 hours. Drink plenty of fluids, and take paracetamol for pain if needed. If you have not started to improve within 48 hours, or you feel worse at any point, seek medical advice. If nitrofurantoin is not suitable for you, the pharmacist may suggest another option — see our UTI treatment service.

Warnings and who should not take this medicine

• Men, and women under 16 or over 64 — please see a GP
• Anyone who is or might be pregnant, including after a missed period
• Possible signs of a kidney infection: a temperature of 37.9°C or above, shivering, pain in your back or side below the ribs, feeling or being sick, or new confusion — get urgent medical advice
• Symptoms for more than 7 days, a UTI in the last 6 months, or 3 or more UTIs in the last 12 months
• A urinary catheter, or a known problem with the structure or function of the urinary tract
• A weakened immune system, or diabetes that is poorly controlled or has complications
• Unusual vaginal discharge, genital itching or irritation, or symptoms that could be a sexually transmitted infection
• Allergy to nitrofurantoin, kidney problems, or G6PD deficiency — tell the pharmacist, as nitrofurantoin may not be suitable
• Tell the pharmacist about all other medicines you take, including antacids containing magnesium trisilicate

Possible side effects

The most common are feeling sick, headache and an upset stomach; taking the capsules with food helps. Your urine may turn dark yellow or brown, which is harmless. Stop taking it and get urgent medical help if you develop sudden breathlessness, chest pain, a cough with fever or chills, swelling of the face, lips or throat, or a widespread rash.

Regulatory information

• Legal status: Prescription-only medicine (POM), supplied under a Patient Group Direction after pharmacist assessment
• Pharmacy: Ways Pharmacy, 77 Southampton Row, London WC1B 4ET · GPhC-registered premises 9012227
• Patient information leaflet: electronic Medicines Compendium (emc)
• Report suspected side effects through the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme

This page gives factual information about a prescription-only medicine and is not an advertisement to the public. It is supplied only after a pharmacist has assessed that it is suitable for you.