Nitrofurantoin

Urinary Antiseptic
Drug Class
Urinary Antiseptic
Mechanism of Action (MOA)
Reduced to reactive intermediates that damage bacterial DNA, ribosomes, and metabolic enzymes.
Clinical Notes
First-line for uncomplicated cystitis. Concentrates in urine only — not for pyelonephritis; label contraindicates CrCl <60. Pulmonary fibrosis with chronic use.
Source
FDA label

Sources

Reviewed September 2026
  1. FDA label — FDA / DailyMed

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Used for

Same family

Other antibiotics · 10 drugs

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