1 INDICATIONS & USAGE Nitrofurantoin is indicated in adults and pediatric patients 1 month of age and older for the treatment of urinary tract infections due to susceptible strains of Escherichia coli , Enterococcus species, Staphylococcus aureus , Klebsiella species and Enterobacter species. Limitations of Use Nitrofurantoin is not indicated for the treatment of pyelonephritis or perinephric abscesses [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)]. Usage To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of nitrofurantoin and other antibacterial drugs, nitrofurantoin should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. When culture and susceptibility information are available, they should be considered in selecting or modifying antibacterial therapy. In the absence of such data, local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns may contribute to the empiric selection of therapy. Nitrofurantoin is a nitrofuran antibacterial indicated in adults and pediatric patients 1 month of age and older for the treatment of urinary tract infections caused by susceptible bacteria. (1) Limitations of Use Nitrofurantoin is not indicated for the treatment of pyelonephritis or perinephric abscesses. (1) Usage To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of nitrofurantoin and other antibacterial drugs, nitrofurantoin should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. (1)
2 DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION Adult Patients: 50 mg to 100 mg four times a day -the lower dosage level is recommended for uncomplicated urinary tract infections. (2.2) Pediatric Patients: 5 mg/kg to 7 mg/kg of body weight per 24 hours, given in four divided doses (contraindicated under one month of age). (2.3) 2.1 Recommended Dosage and Administration in Adult Patients The recommended dosage is 50 mg to 100 mg of nitrofurantoin four times a day. For long-term suppressive therapy in adults, a reduction of dosage to 50 mg to 100 mg at bedtime may be adequate . The benefits of long-term suppressive therapy should be balanced against the increased potential for systemic toxicity and for the development of antibacterial resistance [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2, 5.4, 5.6)]. Administer nitrofurantoin with food to improve drug absorption [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] and, in some patients, tolerance. 2.2 Recommended Dosage and Administration in Pediatric Patients (1 month of age and older) The recommended dosage of nitrofurantoin is 5 mg/kg to 7 mg/kg of body weight per 24 hours, given in four divided doses in pediatric patients aged 1 month and older. Administer nitrofurantoin with food to improve drug absorption [ s ee Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] and, in some patients, tolerance. Table 1 lists individual dosage volumes for nitrofurantoin oral suspension (25 mg/5 mL) based on body weight for pediatric patients. Table 1: Nitrofurantoin Oral Suspension Pediatric Dosing Table for Pediatric Patients 1 month of Age and Older Weight in Kilograms (kg) Pediatric Doses (mL), Frequency: Four times Daily 25 mg/5 mL oral suspension 4 kg or lower 1 Greater than 4 kg to 5 kg 1.4 Greater than 5 kg to 7 kg 1.8 Greater than 7 kg to 10 kg 2.5 Greater than 10 kg to 14 kg 3.5 Greater than 14 kg to 20 kg 5 Greater than 20 kg to 25 kg 7 Greater than 25 kg to 30 kg 8.5 Greater than 30 kg to 40 kg 10 40 kg or greater See Adult Dose To measure the correct pediatric doses, it is important…
12.2 Pharmacodynamics Pharmacodynamic effects of nitrofurantoin are unknown.
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions are discussed in more detail in other sections of the labeling: Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] Pulmonary Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] Hepatotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] Neuropathy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] Hemolytic anemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)] Clostridioides difficile -associated Diarrhea [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)] Persistence or Reappearance of Bacteriuria [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)] The following adverse reactions associated with the use of nitrofurantoin formulations, including nitrofurantoin oral suspension, were identified in clinical studies or post-marketing reports. Because some of these reactions were reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Respiratory : chronic, subacute, or acute pulmonary hypersensitivity reactions have occurred. Chronic pulmonary reactions have occurred generally in patients who have received continuous treatment for six months or longer. Malaise, dyspnea on exertion, cough, and altered pulmonary function are common manifestations which can occur insidiously. Radiologic and histologic findings of diffuse interstitial pneumonitis or fibrosis, or both, are also common manifestations of the chronic pulmonary reaction. Fever is prominent. The severity of chronic pulmonary reactions and their degrees of resolution appear to be related to the duration of therapy after the first clinical signs appear. Pulmonary function may be impaired permanently, even after cessation of therapy. The risk is greater when chronic pulmonary reactions are not recognized early. In subacute pulmonary reactions, fever and eosinophilia occur less often than in the acute form. Upon cessation of therapy, recovery may require several months. If the…
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Nitrofurantoin is contraindicated in: patients with known hypersensitivity to nitrofurantoin [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]. patients with a previous history of cholestatic jaundice/hepatic dysfunction associated with nitrofurantoin [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]. patients who have anuria, oliguria, or significant impairment of renal function (creatinine clearance under 60 mL per minute or clinically significant elevated serum creatinine) due to an increased risk of toxicity resulting from impaired excretion of the drug [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]. pregnant patients at term (38 weeks to 42 weeks gestation), during labor and delivery, or when the onset of labor is imminent and in pediatric patients younger than 1 month of age because of the possibility of hemolytic anemia due to immature erythrocyte enzyme systems (glutathione instability) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) and Use in Specific Populations (8.1 and 8.4)]. Known hypersensitivity to nitrofurantoin. (4) History of cholestatic jaundice/hepatic dysfunction associated with nitrofurantoin. (4) Patients who have anuria, oliguria, or significant impairment of renal function (creatinine clearance under 60 mL per minute or clinically significant elevated serum creatinine). (4) Pregnant patients at term (38 weeks to 42 weeks gestation), during labor and delivery, or when the onset of labor is imminent. (4) Pediatric Patients under one month of age. (4)
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Hypersensitivity Reactions: Serious and occasionally fatal hypersensitivity (anaphylactic) reactions have been reported in patients receiving nitrofurantoin. If signs and symptoms of a hypersensitivity reaction occurs, immediately discontinue nitrofurantoin. (5.1) Pulmonary Reactions: Discontinue if sign and symptoms of pulmonary reactions occur and take appropriate measures. (5.2) Hepatotoxicity: Discontinue if signs/symptoms of hepatitis occur. Monitor liver function tests. (5.3) Neuropathy: Peripheral neuropathy has occurred. (5.4) Hemolytic Anemia: Discontinue if sign and symptoms of hemolysis occur. (5.5) Clostridioides difficile -associated diarrhea: Evaluate patients if diarrhea occurs. (5.6) 5.1 Hypersensitivity Reactions Serious and occasionally fatal hypersensitivity (anaphylactic) reactions have been reported in patients receiving nitrofurantoin [see Adverse Reactions (6)]. If signs and symptoms of a hypersensitivity reaction occurs, immediately discontinue nitrofurantoin and initiate appropriate medications and/or supportive care. Nitrofurantoin is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to nitrofurantoin. 5.2 Pulmonary Reactions Acute, subacute, or chronic pulmonary reactions have been reported in patients treated with nitrofurantoin. If these reactions occur, discontinue nitrofurantoin and take appropriate measures. Reports have cited pulmonary reactions as a contributing cause of death. Chronic pulmonary reactions (diffuse interstitial pneumonitis or pulmonary fibrosis, or both) can develop insidiously. These reactions occur generally in patients receiving therapy for six months or longer. Close monitoring of the pulmonary condition of patients receiving long-term therapy is warranted and requires that the benefits of therapy be weighed against potential risks [see Adverse Reactions (6)]. 5.3 Hepatotoxicity Hepatic reactions, including hepatitis, cholestatic jaundice, chronic active hepatitis, and hepatic…
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Antacids : Decreased absorption of nitrofurantoin. (7.1) Uricosuric drugs: Inhibit renal tubular secretion of nitrofurantoin. (7.2) 7.1 Antacids Antacids containing magnesium trisilicate, when administered concomitantly with nitrofurantoin, reduce both the rate and extent of absorption. The mechanism for this interaction probably is adsorption of nitrofurantoin onto the surface of magnesium trisilicate. If coadministration of nitrofurantoin with antacids containing magnesium trisilicate cannot be avoided, monitor for lack of efficacy [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] . 7.2 Uricosuric Drugs Uricosuric drugs, such as probenecid and sulfinpyrazone, can inhibit renal tubular secretion of nitrofurantoin. The resulting increase in nitrofurantoin serum levels may increase toxicity, and the decreased urinary levels could lessen its efficacy as a urinary tract antibacterial. Therefore, monitor for nitrofurantoin adverse reactions when co-administering nitrofurantoin with uricosuric drugs. 7.3 Drug Interference with Laboratory Tests The presence of nitrofurantoin can cause a false-positive reaction for glucose in the urine when using Benedict's or Fehling's copper reduction reaction to determine the amount of reducing substances like glucose in the urine. Use glucose tests based on enzymatic glucose oxidase reactions to detect glucose in the urine.
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