Nitrofurantoin

Nitrofurantoin – Effective Antibiotic for Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Nitrofurantoin is a widely prescribed antibiotic used in the UK for the treatment and prevention of uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs). It is particularly effective against common bacteria that cause bladder infections and is frequently recommended as a first-line treatment when used appropriately.

It works specifically in the urinary system, which helps limit its effect on the rest of the body and reduces the risk of widespread antibiotic resistance when prescribed correctly.

What Is Nitrofurantoin?

It’s an antibacterial medicine used primarily to treat infections of the lower urinary tract, such as cystitis. It belongs to a class of medicines known as nitrofuran antibiotics and is effective against bacteria including E. coli, Enterococcus, and Staphylococcus saprophyticus.

In the UK, It’s commonly prescribed for short treatment courses and, in some cases, for long-term prevention of recurrent UTIs under medical supervision.

How Nitrofurantoin Works

After ingestion, It’s rapidly absorbed and concentrated in the urine. It works by damaging bacterial DNA and interfering with essential bacterial enzymes, which prevents the bacteria from growing and surviving.

Because it is excreted mainly through the kidneys, its antibacterial activity is focused in the urinary tract, making it especially effective for bladder infections while limiting systemic exposure.