Nitrofurantoin MR

£14.99

Dosage: Taken four times daily
Course length: Three-day treatment
Use: For bacterial infections of the urinary tract
Cost-effective alternative: Cheaper generic version of Macrobid

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Treatment: Cystitis

SKU: 44889611000001107 Category: Cystitis (treatment)

Order Nitrofurantoin Tablets Online UK

You can order Nitrofurantoin MR online through our UK-registered online doctor and pharmacy service. It is used to treat cystitis, a common type of urinary tract infection (UTI), particularly in women.

After completing your online doctor consultation, our GMC-registered doctors will review your assessment and prescribe the medicine if it is safe for you. Once approved, our pharmacy team will dispense and dispatch your prescription directly to your chosen UK address.

What Is Nitrofurantoin?

Nitrofurantoin MR is an antibiotic medicine used to treat bacterial infections, particularly urinary tract infections (UTIs). Each tablet contains 50 mg of nitrofurantoin.

In the UK, nitrofurantoin is a prescription-only medicine (POM) and must be prescribed by a doctor or healthcare professional.

It can be used to treat active UTIs or, in some cases, to prevent recurrent infections. For individuals who experience frequent UTIs, doctors may prescribe daily nitrofurantoin for several months to reduce the risk of future infections.

How Does It Work?

Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic commonly used to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs) such as cystitis and kidney infections. It’s useful for UTIs because the drug is filtered into the urine and can work at the site of infection in the urinary tract.

It’s effective against most bacteria that can cause UTIs and works by killing the bacteria causing the infection.

How Long Does It Take Nitrofurantoin to Work?

Improvement in symptoms can begin in as little as 24 hours, however to completely clear cystitis, it can take up to three days of treatment. Always finish your prescribed course of antibiotics to ensure all the bacteria has been cleared. If you are still experiencing any symptoms after three days of treatment, it is important that you speak to your doctor.

About Cystitis

Cystitis occurs when bacteria enter the normally sterile bladder, causing inflammation and irritation. The main symptoms of cystitis include:

Frequent urge to urinate
Pain or discomfort when urinating
Burning or irritation during urination
Dark or cloudy urine
Strong-smelling urine

⚠️ Important: If you experience lower back or flank pain along with cystitis symptoms, this could indicate a more serious kidney infection. You should seek medical attention immediately in this case.

How to Take Nitrofurantoin

The dosage of nitrofurantoin depends on the type of infection being treated. For cystitis, the usual dose is:

50 mg tablet, taken 4 times a day
Course length: 3 days

It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions exactly.

Tips for taking Nitrofurantoin:

Take the tablets with food or milk to improve absorption and effectiveness.
Complete the full course, even if your symptoms improve. Stopping treatment early may allow the infection to return or worsen.

Nitrofurantoin Summary

Category	Details
Dose	Take 1 tablet 4 times a day for 3 days. Take with or after food
Type of Medicine	Antibiotic tablet
Mechanism	Kills bacteria in the bladder causing the infection
Active Ingredient	50 mg Nitrofurantoin
Side Effects	Can include stomach upset, headache, nausea, darkened urine (normal)

Cystitis Alternatives

There are several antibiotics commonly used to treat UTIs, including:

Trimethoprim
Fosfomycin
Pivmecillinam
Amoxicillin
Cefalexin

Cystitis is generally considered a mild infection and may sometimes improve within a few days without treatment. However, antibiotics are often needed to clear the infection and prevent it from returning.

A modified-release nitrofurantoin capsule is a commonly prescribed treatment for cystitis. This is available under the brand name Macrobid, with each capsule containing 100 mg nitrofurantoin.

Trimethoprim is another frequently used antibiotic for cystitis. Like nitrofurantoin, it works by killing the bacteria causing the infection, helping to resolve symptoms and prevent recurrence.

Nitrofurantoin Side Effects

Like all medicines, nitrofurantoin can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.

Common Side Effects

Nausea
Diarrhoea
Stomach pain
Headache
Darkened urine (yellow or brown) – this is normal and not harmful

Serious Side Effects

While rare, nitrofurantoin can sometimes cause more serious effects, including:

Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
Lung problems
Cyanosis (bluish skin or lips)
Raised pressure in the skull

For a complete list of side effects, see section 4 of the patient information leaflet.

⚠️ Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any serious side effects.

General Information

What is norethisterone?

Norethisterone is a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone, which is naturally produced in the body. It is most commonly used to delay periods or help manage certain menstrual-related conditions.

Usage & Dosage

How do I take norethisterone?

Start taking norethisterone three days before your period is expected.
Take one tablet three times daily for each day you wish to delay your period.
You can use it for a maximum of 17 days.
Your period should begin 2–3 days after stopping the tablets.

⚠️ Always take norethisterone exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has advised.

How does norethisterone work?

Norethisterone works by maintaining high levels of the hormone progesterone in your body. This prevents the womb lining from shedding, which in turn delays your period until you stop taking the tablets.

When will my period start again?

After finishing your course of norethisterone, your period should begin approximately 2–3 days later.

Effectiveness & Results

Can I use norethisterone for heavy periods?

Norethisterone may be prescribed short-term to help manage heavy periods. However, it is not intended as a long-term solution.

If you experience heavy menstrual bleeding regularly, speak to your GP to discuss other appropriate and longer-term treatment options.

Can I become pregnant when using period delay tablets?

Norethisterone does not prevent pregnancy. If you are sexually active and wish to avoid pregnancy while taking norethisterone, you must use additional contraception methods such as condoms or other reliable forms of birth control.

Side Effects & Safety

What are common side effects of norethisterone?

Like all medicines, norethisterone may cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.

Common side effects can include:

Nausea
Headaches
Mood changes
Breast tenderness
Spotting or changes in your menstrual cycle

⚠️ If you experience any side effects that are persistent or distressing, speak to your GP or pharmacist for advice.

Can I take norethisterone if I am breastfeeding?

If you are breastfeeding, speak to your doctor before taking norethisterone. The medicine may pass into breast milk and could affect your baby.

Interactions

Are there any contraindications for using norethisterone?

Norethisterone is not suitable for everyone. Before taking it, you should consult your doctor if you have a history of:

Blood clots or clotting disorders
Liver disease
Hormone-sensitive cancers (such as certain breast or ovarian cancers)

Your doctor will advise whether norethisterone is safe for you or if an alternative treatment is more appropriate.

Storage

How should I store norethisterone tablets?

Keep norethisterone tablets in their original packaging at room temperature. Store them away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight.

⚠️ Keep out of reach of children.

Access & Cost

Can I use norethisterone regularly to delay my period?

Norethisterone is intended for temporary period delay only. Regular or long-term use is not recommended without consulting your GP. Always follow your doctor’s instructions and seek advice if you are unsure about using it.

What should I do if I miss a dose of norethisterone?

If you miss a dose of norethisterone:

Take it as soon as you remember.
Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one.
Always follow your doctor’s instructions regarding dosing.

Before taking any medication, it is important to read the Patient Information Leaflet. You can find information leaflets for your medicines by typing them into the search bar at medicines.org, or by contacting us.

Nitrofurantoin PIL

Nitrofurantoin Warnings

Nitrofurantoin may not be suitable for everyone. You should not take it if you have:

Had an allergic reaction to nitrofurantoin, a similar antibiotic, or any of the listed ingredients
Severe kidney disease
Porphyria
G6PD deficiency

For a full list of conditions and precautions, refer to the patient information leaflet.

Alcohol and Nitrofurantoin:

You can drink alcohol while taking nitrofurantoin, but it is advised to avoid it if possible to help your body recover from infection.

Nitrofurantoin and Pregnancy

Nitrofurantoin is not suitable for women in the later stages of pregnancy, as it may affect the baby.

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor before taking nitrofurantoin to ensure it is safe for you and your baby.

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