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Side Effects of Nitrofurans

Nitrofurantoin is a medication commonly used for the treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs). It is an antibiotic that works by fighting harmful bacteria. Nitrofurantoin operates by disrupting the bacteria's several chemical-related procedures. This disruption results in the destruction of the bacteria. Nitrofurantoin, like the majority of other medications and supplements, comes with the chance of some side effects.

  1. Common Side Effects

    • Nitrofurantoin can produce several common side effects. These common side effects include appetite loss, headache, mild diarrhea, gas and nausea. Usually, these side effects subside soon after starting the medication. However, if the side effects persist, or if they get worse with time, you may need to consult a physician regarding the issue.

    Serious Side Effects

    • Serious side effects of Nitrofurantoin are also a possibility, although they are significantly less common. In cases of serious side effects, it is vital to seek emergency medical attention, should the bring upon some harmful consequences. These severe effects are mental or mood changes (like depression), the feet or the hands burning, feeling numb, or tingling, abnormal weakness or exhaustion, cheeks or nose rash (shaped similarly to a butterfly), signs of liver issues (like pale stools, the skin or the eyes turning yellowish, stomachache, abnormal coughing, and extreme or lingering nausea), general malaise, lingering headache, shortness of breath, abnormal bleeding or bruising, blistered, swollen, peeling or red skin, muscle ache, vision problems (like blurry vision), the nails or the skin turning bluish in color, watery or bloody stools, joint pain, confusion, disorientation and extreme stomach cramps.

    Allergic Reactions

    • Severe allergic reactions to Nitrofurantoin are not common, but if they do occur, they can be harmful. As a result, it is crucial to seek emergency medical assistance if you believe that you might be experiencing one of these reactions. Some signs of Nitrofurantoin allergic reaction are chest tightness, the lips, tongue, mouth, or face becoming swollen, strange hoarseness, hives, skin rash, itchiness and having trouble breathing.

    Warnings

    • Nitrofurantoin is not necessarily a suitable or appropriate medication for everybody. In general, people with the following medical conditions and situations are advised against use of this antibiotic: liver problems, jaundice (including in the past), infrequent urination, extreme kidney disease, and late-stage pregnancy (especially the final two or four weeks). Other medical conditions might require particularly caution, such as anemia, deficiency of glucose-6 phosphate dehydrogenase, electrolyte imbalance and diabetes.

    Overdose

    • Overdosing on Nitrofurantoin can produce some potentially dangerous side effects. If you think you might have taken more than the appropriate dosage amount of this medication, you need to immediately get medical help. Some signals that you might have overdosed on this antibiotic include nausea and vomiting.

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