Urologie pro praxi 1/2024

Nitrofurantoin in the treatment and prevention of urinary tract infections in adults and adolescents

In the Czech Republic, several dosage forms of medicinal products containing nitrofurantoin have been used. Recently, a specific treatment programme under which nitrofurantoin was supplied to the Czech Republic in the microcrystalline anhydrous form was terminated. Nitrofurantoin is now available in macrocrystalline form. Its primary indication is a first choice in treatment of uncomplicated lower urinary tract infections (IDMC). It is also used in the prophylaxis of recurrent IDMC. The macrocrystalline form is characterized by better tolerability and bioavailability compared to the microcrystalline form. The recommended dosage given in the Summary of Product Characteristics for the treatment of uncomplicated lower IDMC can be revised to nitrofurantoin 50 mg every 6 hours or 100 mg every 8 hours, based on the available information. In the therapy of uncomplicated lower IDMC, macrocrystalline nitrofurantoin should be administered for a minimum of 5 days. Shorter therapy (3 days) may lead to treatment failure.

Keywords: nitrofurantoin, lower urinary tract infection, antibiotic.