Everything you wanted to know about urinary tract infections

The antibiotic agent nitrofurantoin is prescribed by many physicians to treat urinary tract infections. Types of bacteria that this antibiotic is effective against include Enterobacter cystitis, Enterococcus, Staphylococcus aureus.

Urinary tract infections need immediate medical treatment. Ask your doctor about the antibiotic, nitrofurantoin, available at Macrobid, Macrodantin and Furadantin brand names. Nitrofurantoin is effective in the treatment of infections of the urinary tract which are caused by different types of bacteria Escherichia coli, Enterococcus, Enterobacter cystitis, Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella.

Mechanism of action:

Nitrofurantoin works by inhibiting the production of bacterial DNA, proteins and cell walls. The bacteria could not survive without a cell wall, as well as multiply without DNA. The antibiotic is available in three forms form, macrocrystalline crystalline form and a macrocrystalline sustained-release used twice a day. In comparison with the crystalline form, macrocrystalline is slowly absorbed and better for their use by patients with no tolerance in microcrystalline form.

How to use:

Nitrofurantoin is best taken with food or milk. To get the maximum effect, swallowing tablets or capsules whole. Note that antibiotics are effective if the amount of medicine in your body is kept at constant level. You can reach this constant level taking medication to uniform spaced intervals. And even when disease symptoms disappear, continue to take medication until you have finished the prescribed quantity.

Side effects:

Nitrofurantoin common side effects include:

Pain appetiteAbdominal RashesItchingNauseaHeadacheVomitingDiarrheaLoss

There are cases of serious lung injury for patients taking nitrofurantoin. Generally, the reaction occurs within a few hours or days of the commencement of treatment. Identified symptoms are:

Difficulty breathing breathingFeverChillsCoughChest painRapid

Other serious side effect of nitrofurantoin is peripheral neuropathy which is damage to the sensory nerves from the arms and legs. Cases of peripheral neuropathy generally occur in patients with vitamin B deficiency, general weakness and diabetes mellitus.

Other adverse reactions reports to nitrofurantoin hemolytic anemia or reduced red blood cells and liver damage.