What is nitrofurantoin?

Nitrofurantoin Oral Suspension, USP contains nitrofurantoin, a synthetic nitrofuran antibacterial agent specific for urinary tract infections. The chemical name is 1-[[(5-nitro-2-furanyl)methylene]amino]-2,4imidazolidinedione monohydrate. The molecular formula is C8H6N4O5·H2O and the molecular weight is 256.17. The structural formula is: Nitrofurantoin is a stable, yellow, crystalline compound. Nitrofurantoin Oral Suspension, USP is available as a lemon-yellow liquid with cherry flavor, free from extraneous particles for oral administration containing 25 mg/5 mL of nitrofurantoin. Nitrofurantoin Oral Suspension, USP also contains the following inactive ingredients: citric acid, artificial cherry flavor, glycerin, methylparaben, propylparaben, purified water, sodium citrate, sucralose, simethicone emulsion, and xanthan gum. structure

What kind of drug is nitrofurantoin?

The FDA classifies nitrofurantoin as a nitrofuran antibacterial. If you are checking whether it is safe to combine with something else, the class is what matters — two drugs from the same class usually should not be stacked.

Can you take nitrofurantoin with other medicines?

It depends on the medicine. We check it against the FDA labels rather than guessing: our interaction checker searches each drug's own label for the other and quotes what it says, naming the section it came from. Run nitrofurantoin against whatever else you take — and remember that a label not naming a drug is not the same as that combination being safe.

What brand names is nitrofurantoin sold under?

We track 4 nitrofurantoin-containing products in the U.S.: Nitrofurantoin, Furadantin, Furalan and Ivadantin. They are the same active ingredient; they differ in form, manufacturer, price and FDA recall record.

What forms does nitrofurantoin come in?

Across the brands we track, nitrofurantoin is currently marketed as capsule, suspension, tablet and injectable, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory. Each form is dosed differently — follow the label for the exact product you were prescribed.

Is there a generic nitrofurantoin?

Yes. Our catalog lists 2 generic nitrofurantoin products alongside the brand versions. A generic has the same active ingredient and must meet the FDA's bioequivalence standard; it usually costs less. Ask your pharmacist which one your plan covers.

Has nitrofurantoin been recalled?

The FDA's Enforcement database lists 2 recall records whose product description mentions nitrofurantoin. The most recent: Nitrofurantoin Capsules (Dec 4, 2024). A recall applies to specific lots, not to the drug as a whole — check the record for the affected lot numbers.

Nitrofurantoin: uses, dosing, side effects & brands

Nitrofurantoin is a nitrofuran antibacterial sold in the U.S. under 4 brand and generic names, for escherichia coli infections, klebsiella infections and staphylococcal infections. Below: what the FDA label says, every product that contains it, what the pills look like, and its recall record.

By the pharmaranks editorial teamReviewed against the FDA (openFDA label, NDC Directory & Enforcement) sourcesHow we research

Key facts

Drug class: Nitrofuran Antibacterial
Treats: Escherichia Coli Infections, Klebsiella Infections and Staphylococcal Infections
Available as: Capsule · Suspension · Tablet · Injectable
Sold as: 4 products — Nitrofurantoin, Furadantin and Furalan, and others
Prescription?: Prescription only
Generic available?: Yes
Typical price: about $2 for a 30-count supply

How nitrofurantoin is dosed

From the FDA label for Furalan (application ANDA080017). Other nitrofurantoin products — different forms, different strengths — are dosed differently. Follow the label for the one you were prescribed.

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…

Nitrofurantoin side effects

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,…

Every nitrofurantoin product we track (4)

Same active ingredient — different manufacturer, form, price and FDA recall record. That last one is what our independent score measures.

Nitrofurantoin products
#	Drug	Rating	Type	Form	Generic?	Typical price
1	Nitrofurantoin	70/100	Prescription	Capsule	Generic	$2	View →
2	Furadantin	Not yet rated	Prescription	Tablet	Generic	$2

What nitrofurantoin pills look like

Imprint codes, colour and shape from the FDA’s labelling data. Match the imprint on your pill — or search any imprint.

Nitrofurantoin pill imprints
Imprint	Strength	Colour	Shape	Maker
LS;410	25 mg	white	capsule	—
LS;411	50 mg	blue, white	capsule	—
LS;412	100 mg	blue	capsule	—
Lifestar;404	75 mg / 25 mg	gray, brown	capsule	—
101	25 mg / 75 mg	yellow, yellow	capsule	—
Macrobid;52427285

Combination products containing nitrofurantoin

A combination is a different drug — different dosing, different warnings. It is listed here so you can find it, not so you can substitute it.

Macrobid

Nitrofurantoin recalls

From the FDA Enforcement database. A recall covers specific lots — not the drug as a whole.

Frequently asked questions

What is nitrofurantoin?: Nitrofurantoin Oral Suspension, USP contains nitrofurantoin, a synthetic nitrofuran antibacterial agent specific for urinary tract infections. The chemical name is 1-[[(5-nitro-2-furanyl)methylene]amino]-2,4imidazolidinedione monohydrate. The molecular formula is C8H6N4O5·H2O and the molecular weight is 256.17. The structural formula is: Nitrofurantoin is a stable, yellow, crystalline compound. Nitrofurantoin Oral Suspension, USP is available as a lemon-yellow liquid with cherry flavor, free from extraneous particles for oral administration containing 25 mg/5 mL of nitrofurantoin. Nitrofurantoin Oral Suspension, USP also contains the following inactive ingredients: citric acid, artificial cherry flavor, glycerin, methylparaben, propylparaben, purified water, sodium citrate, sucralose, simethicone emulsion, and xanthan gum. structure
What kind of drug is nitrofurantoin?: The FDA classifies nitrofurantoin as a nitrofuran antibacterial. If you are checking whether it is safe to combine with something else, the class is what matters — two drugs from the same class usually should not be stacked.
Can you take nitrofurantoin with other medicines?: It depends on the medicine. We check it against the FDA labels rather than guessing: our interaction checker searches each drug's own label for the other and quotes what it says, naming the section it came from. Run nitrofurantoin against whatever else you take — and remember that a label not naming a drug is not the same as that combination being safe.
What brand names is nitrofurantoin sold under?: We track 4 nitrofurantoin-containing products in the U.S.: Nitrofurantoin, Furadantin, Furalan and Ivadantin. They are the same active ingredient; they differ in form, manufacturer, price and FDA recall record.
What forms does nitrofurantoin come in?: Across the brands we track, nitrofurantoin is currently marketed as capsule, suspension, tablet and injectable, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory. Each form is dosed differently — follow the label for the exact product you were prescribed.

Sources: FDA openFDA drug label, National Drug Code Directory, and Enforcement (recall) database. This page reproduces public FDA data and is not medical advice. Dosing is set by your prescriber.