Cystitis is a common bladder infection that causes inflammation of the bladder. Cystitis can be caused by not emptying your bladder properly or damage/irritation to the urethra.

Symptoms can include:

• Needing to urinate more often
• Burning sensation or pain during urination
• Smelling or cloudy urine
• Pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen

Mild cases of cystitis usually clears up within a few days. If the condition doesn’t improve within a few days, then an antibiotic treatment should be considered. Cystitis is common in women however if children and men experience these symptoms, they should see their GP because it can be caused by other underlying conditions.

Cystitis treatment

Cystitis is treated through a course of antibiotics. Once the antibiotic cystitis treatment is taken, the symptoms usually clear up within 24 hours. You should also refrain from sex until you have been fully treated because sex can make cystitis worse.

At Amiry & Gilbride Pharmacy following a short consultation with our pharmacist we can supply Nitrofurantoin with no prescription necessary. Nitrofurantoin is one of the recommended treatments for cystitis.

Nitrofurantoin

Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic for cystitis. It is sold as generic medication and under the brand name MacroBid. A course of nitrofurantoin tablets lasts for three days. You need to take one tablet in the morning and one in the evening. Nitrofurantoin works by killing the bacteria which cause bladder infections.

What Dosage of Nitrofurantoin Do I Need?

You need to take one nitrofurantoin 100mg dose in the morning and one in the evening. You should aim to take the tablets at the same time every day. The course will last for three days. The tablets need to be swallowed whole with a drink of water.

Nitrofurantoin and Alcohol

Nitrofurantoin and alcohol do not interact. Moderate alcohol consumption will not reduce the effect of nitrofurantoin. However, it is not advisable to drink alcohol while suffering from a bladder infection. Herbal teas and water are more suitable and drinking plenty of non-alcoholic drinks will help you get rid of the infection.

How does it work?

Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic. It works by killing the bacteria which cause cystitis. Unlike many other antibiotics, a sufficient amount of nitrofurantoin is passed with your urine, which is why it is highly effective in treating infections of the bladder.

What is the difference between MacroBid and nitrofurantoin?

MacroBid is a brand name for nitrofurantoin, which is the active substance the tablets contain. Nitrofurantoin is also available under other brand names.

Side Effects 

Nitrofurantoin can cause side effects. These can include the following:

• diarrhoea
• nausea and headache
• stomach problems and being sick
• loss of appetite
• skin rash
• rapid heart rate
• skin rashes including blistering, flaking and a rash accompanied by a fever and rapid heart rate
• facial pains
• dizziness and drowsiness
• changes to the numbers of your blood cells (which may show up in blood tests and cause unusual bruising, anaemia, throat infections and colds)
• delayed clotting of the blood
• inflammation of the pancreas and abdominal pain
• short-term hair loss

It is also possible to have a severe allergic reaction to any medication. If you experience wheezing, shortness of breath, swelling of your eyes, mouth or face, or itching, you should stop taking the medication and seek medical attention urgently.

In some cases, germs may be resistant to nitrofurantoin. In these cases, the treatment can remain unsuccessful.

Product Information

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.3601.pdf

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