Practical information on using nitrofurantoin

Nitrofurantoin is active against bacteria that commonly cause cystitis, including many gram-negative bacilli (eg Escherichia coli) and gram-positive cocci (eg Enterococcus faecalis).

Nitrofurantoin is predominantly eliminated by glomerular filtration. Effective treatment of urinary tract infection depends on achieving an adequate concentration of nitrofurantoin in the urine. Treatment is less effective and the risk of toxicity is higher in patients with reduced glomerular filtration rate.