Here’s the detailed profile for Nitrofurantoin Oral Liquid 25 mg/5 mL (pediatric formulation) 👇
💊 Nitrofurantoin Oral Liquid 25 mg/5 mL (p)
📘 Description:
- Nitrofurantoin is a nitrofuran antibacterial agent that is rapidly excreted into urine, where it acts as a urinary antiseptic.
- Mechanism: Bacterial enzymes reduce nitrofurantoin to reactive intermediates → damage DNA, ribosomes, and metabolic enzymes → bactericidal effect in urine.
- Specially formulated as an oral suspension for pediatric use.
📄 Prescription / Indications:
- Acute uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) in children caused by susceptible organisms (E. coli, Enterococcus, Klebsiella, Staphylococcus saprophyticus)
- Prophylaxis of recurrent UTIs (especially in children with vesicoureteral reflux or structural urinary anomalies)
- Not suitable for systemic infections (poor serum/tissue penetration)
🌿 Nature / Drug Class:
- Urinary antiseptic
- Nitrofuran antimicrobial
✅ Advantages:
- Good efficacy for pediatric UTIs
- Low resistance rates compared with other oral antibiotics
- Well tolerated in children when given with food/milk
- Pediatric liquid formulation ensures accurate dosing
⚠️ Precautions:
Contraindications:
- Neonates (<1 month) – risk of hemolytic anemia
- Severe renal impairment (CrCl < 30 mL/min) – inadequate urine levels & ↑ toxicity
- Known hypersensitivity to nitrofurantoin
- Late pregnancy (near delivery) – risk of neonatal hemolysis
Adverse Effects:
- GI upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) – minimized by giving with meals
- Rash, pruritus
- Rare but serious: pulmonary reactions (acute hypersensitivity or chronic fibrosis), hepatotoxicity, peripheral neuropathy
- Hemolytic anemia in G6PD deficiency
Monitoring:
- Periodic renal & liver function tests in prolonged therapy
- Monitor for respiratory symptoms in long-term prophylaxis
💊 Pediatric Dosage (Oral Suspension):
- Treatment of UTI: 5–7 mg/kg/day in 4 divided doses
- Prophylaxis: 1–2 mg/kg once daily (usually at bedtime)
(Always follow pediatric specialist/physician dosing guidance)
📦 Common Packaging:
- Bottles of 60 mL, 100 mL, or 200 mL
- Usually supplied with a measuring cup/dropper for accurate dosing
❄️ Storage Conditions:
- Store at room temperature (<25°C)
- Protect from light & moisture
- Shake well before use
- Keep out of reach of children