Medicine · Generic
Nitrofurantoin
Urinary antibacterial (nitrofuran antibiotic)
- 14 brands
- 10 makers
- 5 forms
- From ≈ ৳11
What it is used for
Nitrofurantoin is used to treat uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs), such as cystitis, a bladder infection. Doctors also use it long term to help prevent repeated bladder infections in some people. It is not used for kidney infections or infections elsewhere in the body, because it works mainly in the urine.
How it works
Nitrofurantoin becomes concentrated in the urine, where bacteria convert it into active substances that damage their DNA, proteins and other parts of the cell. This kills the bacteria causing the infection.
Drug class: Urinary antibacterial (nitrofuran antibiotic)
Available in Bangladesh
14 brands from 10 makers, in these forms and strengths:
- Capsule (Sustained Release)
- 50 mg100 mg
- Oral Suspension
- 25 mg/5 ml
- Tablet
- 50 mg100 mg
- Capsule
- 50 mg
- Tablet (Sustained Release)
- 100 mg
Brands and prices
Same medicine, different makers — ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching.
Nitrofurantoin Capsule (Sustained Release) · 100 mg7 brands · from ≈ ৳15
- Nintoin SRIncepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd.≈ ৳15
- Nitrofur SRACI Limited≈ ৳16
- NitrobacIbn Sina Pharmaceuticals Ltd.≈ ৳16
- NFTHealthcare Pharmaceuticals Ltd.≈ ৳18
- Urocure SRSquare Pharmaceuticals Ltd.≈ ৳18
- Urobak SROpsonin Pharma Ltd.≈ ৳18
- UritroTeam Pharmaceuticals Ltd.≈ ৳19
Nitrofurantoin Oral Suspension · 25 mg/5 ml7 brands · from ≈ ৳120
- UrocureSquare Pharmaceuticals Ltd.≈ ৳120
- NitrofurACI Limited≈ ৳123
- NitrobacIbn Sina Pharmaceuticals Ltd.≈ ৳124
- NFTHealthcare Pharmaceuticals Ltd.≈ ৳133
- UmactinUniMed UniHealth≈ ৳133
- UrobakOpsonin Pharma Ltd.≈ ৳141
- NintoinIncepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd.≈ ৳148
Nitrofurantoin Tablet · 100 mg4 brands · from ≈ ৳17
- UmactinUniMed UniHealth≈ ৳17
- UrobakOpsonin Pharma Ltd.≈ ৳17
- NintoinIncepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd.≈ ৳18
- RantoinDrug International Ltd.≈ ৳19
Nitrofurantoin Capsule (Sustained Release) · 50 mg2 brands · from ≈ ৳11
- Nitrofur SRACI Limited≈ ৳11
- UritroTeam Pharmaceuticals Ltd.≈ ৳11
Nitrofurantoin Capsule · 50 mg1 brand · from ≈ ৳16
- NintoinIncepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd.≈ ৳16
Nitrofurantoin Tablet · 50 mg1 brand · from ≈ ৳12
- UmactinUniMed UniHealth≈ ৳12
Nitrofurantoin Tablet (Sustained Release) · 100 mg1 brand · from ≈ ৳36
- Ofuran SRPacific Pharmaceuticals Ltd.≈ ৳36
Cheapest first. Prices are DGDA maximum retail prices (MRP) per unit as listed, rounded down to the whole taka. ≈ marks an indicative MRP from a public price list that Mukti has not yet checked against the pack. The MRP printed on the pack always applies.
Prescription
Mukti's medicine catalogue marks Nitrofurantoin as a prescription medicine. Keep a valid prescription ready when you order it in the Mukti Health app, and use it only as your doctor directs.
Important safety information
Common side effects
Common side effects include nausea, loss of appetite, headache and diarrhoea. Urine may turn dark yellow or brown, which is harmless. Rarely, it can cause lung, liver or nerve problems, particularly with long-term use.
Talk to a doctor or pharmacist first
- People with kidney disease, as it may not work well and side effects are more likely
- Anyone with G6PD deficiency, which can lead to breakdown of red blood cells
- People with lung disease, liver disease, nerve damage, diabetes or vitamin B deficiency
- Women who are pregnant, especially near their due date, or breastfeeding
- Parents of babies under three months old, in whom it is not used
Warnings
- Stop and seek medical help if you develop breathlessness, cough, chest pain or fever while taking it.
- Tell your doctor promptly about tingling or numbness in the hands or feet, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.
- Take it with food or milk, which helps the body absorb it and reduces stomach upset.
- Use it only when prescribed and finish the course as your doctor advises. See a doctor urgently if you develop back or side pain, fever or shivering.
Questions people ask
Why does nitrofurantoin change the colour of urine?
The medicine and its breakdown products pass into the urine and can colour it dark yellow or brown. This is expected and harmless, and it stops after the course ends.
Can nitrofurantoin treat a kidney infection?
No. It does not reach high enough levels in the kidneys or blood. Fever, back or side pain and shivering can mean a kidney infection, which needs urgent medical assessment and a different antibiotic.
What else can help while I am being treated for a urine infection?
Drinking enough fluids and resting can help you feel more comfortable. Ask your pharmacist about a suitable painkiller, and tell your doctor if symptoms do not improve after a few days or keep coming back.
What is the cheapest brand of Nitrofurantoin 100 mg capsule (sustained release) in Bangladesh?
Of the 7 brands of Nitrofurantoin 100 mg capsule (sustained release) listed, the lowest maximum retail price is ৳15, for Nintoin SR (Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd.). They contain the same medicine; ask your doctor or pharmacist before you switch brands.
What is the price of Nitrofurantoin in Bangladesh?
Listed maximum retail prices range from ৳11 to ৳148 per unit, depending on the form, strength and maker.
How many brands of Nitrofurantoin are there in Bangladesh?
Mukti lists 14 brands of Nitrofurantoin from 10 makers, as capsule (sustained release), oral suspension, tablet and capsule and other forms.
Do I need a prescription for Nitrofurantoin?
Mukti's medicine catalogue marks Nitrofurantoin as a prescription medicine. Keep a valid prescription ready when you order it in the Mukti Health app, and use it only as your doctor directs.