Nitrofurantoin side effects are usually mild but rare pulmonary or hepatic reactions can occur with prolonged use.
Most children experience only GI upset; monitor for respiratory or hepatic symptoms, especially on long courses.
2 documented effects
Not specified
Administer with food or milk; offer small frequent meals.
Monitor for symptom escalation or new adverse effects.
Not specified
Supportive care; ensure hydration.
Monitor for symptom escalation or new adverse effects.
1 documented effect
Not specified
Stop drug; provide supportive care and consider steroids.
Counsel families to report cough, dyspnea, or fever immediately.
1 documented effect
Not specified
Stop therapy and evaluate liver enzymes.
Monitor for symptom escalation or new adverse effects.
1 documented effect
Not specified
Avoid in known deficiency; seek urgent care if pallor, fatigue, or jaundice develops.
Monitor for symptom escalation or new adverse effects.
Nitrofurantoin is rarely used in young infants; if prescribed, give only the measured dose and call if they feed poorly or seem unusually sleepy.
This medicine keeps bladder germs away. Give it with food or milk to prevent tummy upset and store it out of reach.
Expect urine to look dark—this is normal. Remind your child to finish every dose and drink extra water unless told otherwise.
Take nitrofurantoin with meals, avoid missing doses, and report any cough, breathing trouble, or yellowing eyes immediately.
A: This is expected—the medicine itself darkens urine.
When to validate: Call if dark urine comes with pale stools, yellowing eyes, or severe fatigue.
A: Give with meals or milk and encourage sips of water throughout the day.
When to validate: Contact the care team if vomiting prevents doses or weight-based therapy cannot be completed.
Classify nitrofurantoin reactions with focus on pulmonary toxicity, hepatic injury, and hemolytic anemia risk.
Parent and clinician concerns about Nitrofurantoin