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Nitrofurantoin is a prescription-only (POM) antibiotic licensed for the treatment of acute, uncomplicated lower urinary tract infection. At Ways Pharmacy it is supplied only after a pharmacist-led online consultation has confirmed clinical suitability, in line with UK antimicrobial stewardship guidance.
How to access this medicine
- Select the pack on this page and complete payment.
- You will be sent a clinical consultation questionnaire by email — please answer fully, including symptoms, duration, kidney problems, pregnancy status, allergies and other medicines.
- Our GPhC-registered pharmacist reviews your responses.
- If supply is clinically appropriate, the medicine is dispensed and dispatched.
- If supply is not appropriate (for example if symptoms suggest an upper UTI, or if you are pregnant), you will receive a full refund and be advised to see your GP.
About this medicine
| Active ingredient | Nitrofurantoin (呋喃妥因) |
|---|---|
| Drug class | Nitrofuran antibacterial — concentrates in urine |
| Licensed indication | Acute, uncomplicated lower urinary tract infection (cystitis); prophylaxis of recurrent UTI is a separate, longer regimen and requires GP review |
| Legal classification | POM — Prescription Only Medicine |
| Available presentations | 50mg and 100mg capsules / modified-release 100mg — the pharmacist will confirm which is supplied |
| Patient leaflet | Nitrofurantoin PIL via emc — read before use |
Dosage (from the Summary of Product Characteristics)
The pharmacist will confirm the exact regimen for your circumstances during the consultation. The licensed dosing in adult women with uncomplicated lower UTI is summarised below.
- 50mg four times daily for 3 days, or 100mg modified-release twice daily for 3 days.
- Take with food or milk to reduce nausea.
- Swallow capsules whole — do not crush or split.
- Complete the full course even if symptoms improve.
- Drink plenty of water during treatment.
Who should not take this medicine
- Women at term in pregnancy (from 38 weeks onwards) or in active labour
- Infants under 3 months of age
- People with significantly reduced kidney function (eGFR below approximately 45 ml/min)
- People with known glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency
- People with acute porphyria
- People with a known hypersensitivity to nitrofurantoin or any of the excipients listed in the PIL
- The pharmacist will also assess for fever, back pain, vaginal symptoms, recurrent UTI and other red flags that may require a GP review rather than online supply
Frequently asked questions
What is nitrofurantoin used for?
Nitrofurantoin is used to treat acute, uncomplicated lower urinary tract infection (cystitis) in adult women. It is not the right antibiotic for kidney infections (pyelonephritis), prostatitis or upper UTIs, which require different treatment.
How quickly does nitrofurantoin work?
Many people notice symptom improvement within 24 to 48 hours of starting the course. The full course must be completed even if symptoms have already settled, in order to clear the infection and reduce the risk of resistance.
Can I drink alcohol while taking nitrofurantoin?
There is no specific alcohol interaction, but alcohol can worsen dehydration and nausea, so it is sensible to avoid or limit it during treatment and to drink plenty of water.
Can I take nitrofurantoin in pregnancy?
Nitrofurantoin can be used at some stages of pregnancy under a doctor's supervision, but it must not be used at term (from 38 weeks) or in labour because of the risk of neonatal haemolysis. We do not supply nitrofurantoin online for pregnant patients — please see your GP or midwife.
What side effects should I watch for?
Common side effects include nausea, headache, loss of appetite and harmless brown-yellow discolouration of urine. Stop the medicine and seek urgent medical advice if you develop a rash, breathing difficulty, persistent cough, jaundice, severe diarrhoea or numbness and tingling in the hands or feet.
How should nitrofurantoin be stored?
Store in the original packaging, below 25 degrees Celsius, in a dry place. Keep out of reach of children.
Regulatory information
- Legal status: POM (Prescription Only Medicine)
- Supplied by: Ways Pharmacy, UK — GPhC-registered (registration number on the storefront footer)
- Patient Information Leaflet: Nitrofurantoin PIL via emc
- Suspected side effect? Report via the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme
- NHS information on UTI: NHS — Urinary tract infections
This page provides factual information about a prescription-only medicine and is not an advertisement to the public. Supply is dependent on satisfactory completion of a clinical consultation reviewed by a GPhC-registered pharmacist. Always read the Patient Information Leaflet before use.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prevent UTIs while using Nitrofurantoin?
Yes, drink plenty of water, urinate regularly, and wipe front to back after using the toilet to help prevent future infections. Wearing breathable underwear and avoiding irritating products may also help. Start Consultation to receive safe and pharmacist-approved UTI treatment.
What happens after I order Nitrofurantoin online?
After you Start Consultation and select your treatment, our admin team carefully reviews your health information and chosen medication. If your selection isn’t the most appropriate, a pharmacist will suggest a safe alternative. Once approved, your order is sent out quickly and discreetly—no follow-up action required.
How should I take Nitrofurantoin for best results?
Nitrofurantoin is usually taken twice daily with food to help absorption and reduce stomach upset. It's important to complete the full course, even if symptoms improve early. Start Consultation, choose your treatment, and once our team reviews and approves your order, it will be dispatched without any further steps needed.
Who can take Nitrofurantoin and are there any risks?
Nitrofurantoin is generally suitable for adults and older children but may not be appropriate if you have kidney issues or certain allergies. To confirm if it’s right for you, Start Consultation and complete the short health questionnaire—if it’s not suitable, our pharmacist will recommend an alternative before proceeding with your order.
What is Nitrofurantoin and how does it treat urinary tract infections (UTIs)?
Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic used to treat and prevent urinary tract infections by killing the bacteria that cause them. It’s commonly prescribed for uncomplicated UTIs and works best when taken at the first sign of symptoms. To begin treatment, Start Consultation, select and pay for your medication, and our admin team will review your order to ensure it's safe and appropriate.
Reviewed Date
04 June 2025
Published On
04 June 2025
Last Updated
04 June 2025