Nitrofurantoin Mercury Pharma 100mg Prolonged-Release Capsules
Nitrofurantoin
Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again. If you have any further questions, ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even if their signs of illness are the same as yours.
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. See section 4.
The name of your medicine is Nitrofurantoin Mercury Pharma 100mg Prolonged-Release Capsules, but it will be referred to as Nitrofurantoin 100mg Prolonged-Release Capsules throughout the rest of this leaflet.
1. What Nitrofurantoin 100mg Prolonged-Release Capsules is and what it is used for
2. What you need to know before you take Nitrofurantoin 100mg Prolonged-Release Capsules
3. How to take Nitrofurantoin 100mg Prolonged-Release Capsules
4. Possible side effects
5. How to store Nitrofurantoin 100mg Prolonged-Release Capsules
6. Contents of the pack and other information
Nitrofurantoin (the active substance in Nitrofurantoin 100mg Prolonged-Release Capsules) is an antibiotic.
It is used to prevent and treat infections of the bladder, kidney and other parts of the urinary tract.
- if you are allergic to Nitrofurantoin, other nitrofurans or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6)
- if you have a disease of the kidneys which is severely affecting the way they work (ask your doctor if you are not sure)
- if you are in the final stages of pregnancy (labour or delivery) as there is a risk that it might affect the baby
- if you have porphyria (blood disorder)
- if in patients with G6PD (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) deficiency
- if in infants under three months of age
- if you are breast feeding a baby with suspected or known deficiency in an enzyme called G6PD (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase).
Tell your doctor if you are not sure about any of the above.
Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse before taking Nitrofurantoin 100mg Prolonged-Release Capsules:
- if you have diabetes
- if you are suffering from any illness causing severe weakness
Nitrofurantoin 100mg Prolonged-Release Capsules may cause dizziness and drowsiness. You should not drive or operate machinery if you are affected this way until such symptoms go away.
If you have been told by your doctor that you are intolerant to some sugars and have to avoid them, contact your doctor before taking this medicine.
Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
The recommended dose is:
The normal dosage depends on the type of infection you have and instructions should be written on the label provided by the pharmacist. Consult your pharmacist or doctor if these instructions are not clear.
The usual doses are:
- For treatment of bladder infections: One capsule twice a day for seven days
- For prevention of bladder infections during surgery: One capsule twice a day on the day of the operation and three days thereafter.
Nitrofurantoin 100mg Prolonged-Release Capsules is not recommended for children under 12 years of age.
Nitrofurantoin 100mg Prolonged-Release Capsules should be taken with food or milk.
Medical Checks:
Your doctor will watch carefully for any effects on the liver, lungs, blood or nervous system. Nitrofurantoin may interfere with the results of some tests for glucose in the urine.
Capsules should be swallowed whole.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately or go to the emergency department of the nearest hospital. Always take any left over capsules with you, as well as the container and label, so that the medical staff know what you have taken.
Do not worry. If you remember later on that day, take that day’s dose as usual. If you miss a whole day’s dose take the normal dose on the next day. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten capsule. If you are not sure ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Your doctor will tell you how long to take the treatment. Do not stop earlier than you are told, even if you feel better.
If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Most of them are mild and disappear when you stop taking Nitrofurantoin. If you experience any of the side effects detailed below or any other side effects, stop taking Nitrofurantoin and consult your doctor. All medicines can cause allergic reactions although serious allergic reactions are rare. If you notice any sudden wheeziness, difficulty in breathing, swelling of the eyelids, face or lips, rash or itching (especially affecting your whole body) STOP TAKING your medicine and go to a doctor immediately.
Please note that while taking Nitrofurantoin your urine may become coloured dark yellow or brown. This is quite normal and not a reason to stop taking the medicine.
If you notice any of the following side effects consult your doctor immediately
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
Do not store above 30°C (aluminium/aluminium). Do not store above 25°C (For PVC/polyethylene/aclar/aluminium blisters).
Store in the original package to protect from light and moisture.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help to protect the environment.
The active substance is 100mg nitrofurantoin in each capsule.
The other ingredients are talc, corn starch, lactose, carbopol, povidone, sugar and magnesium stearate.
The capsule shell contains gelatin, quinoline yellow (E104), titanium dioxide (E171) and FD&C Blue No.2 (E132). The printing ink contains shellac, propylene glycol (E1520), titanium dioxide (E171) black iron oxide (E172), ammonium hydroxide (E527) and simethicone.
Nitrofurantoin 100mg Prolonged-Release Capsules has an opaque blue cap and opaque yellow body and bears the monogram “GS 100”.
The capsules are available in blister strips of 14.
Mercury Pharmaceuticals Ltd
Capital House
85 King William Street
London
EC4N 7BL
UK
Famar Italia S.P.A
Via Zambeletti
25
Baranzate
20021
Italy
This leaflet was last revised in July 2023.