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    Nitrofurantoin

    On this page

    Nitrofurantoin is a capsule that must be taken twice a day for 3 days with food or milk. If you have cystitis, you can request Nitrofurantoin online today. 

    Taking Nitrofurantoin

    Take 1 capsule twice a day for 3 days. This treatment should be taken at meal times with either food or milk.

    How it works

    Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic. It works by killing the bacteria within the urinary tract or bladder that cause the infection.   

    Side effects

    Nitrofurantoin can cause side effects in some people. These can include loss of appetite, nausea (feeling sick), vomiting, loose stools, and stomach ache.

    For full information on side effects and correct use, see the patient information leaflet. If any side effects concern you, contact us via your Patient Record.

    Effectiveness

    Nitrofurantoin is the first-choice treatment for uncomplicated UTIs like cystitis. Your cystitis should clear up in 48-72 hours of starting the treatment.

    Please note, Nitrofurantoin will not prevent future UTIs.

    Recurrent cystitis

    If you experience recurrent cystitis, unfortunately this is not suitable for online treatment. This is because we believe you will benefit from seeing your doctor face to face who can organise any necessary tests and arrange a more tailored management plan for you.

    More info about Nitrofurantoin

    Can you buy Nitrofurantoin online?

    You can request and pay for a Nitrofurantoin prescription online. As Nitrofurantoin is a prescription only medication, even when using an online doctor, you will need a prescription before you buy Nitrofurantoin. You should never buy Nitrofurantoin without a prescription from a regulated online doctor service with professionally qualified and registered clinicians.

    When using our service you will need to complete a cystitis consultation, and if suitable, one of our clinicians will prescribe the treatment. You can then pay for your prescription online.  

    Important information about Nitrofurantoin

    If your symptoms worsen at any time  or do not improve within 48 Hours you should see a doctor in person as you may need further testing or an alternative treatment.

    Occasionally, UTIs may spread to your kidney causing symptoms of fever, back pain and vomiting. If you get any of these symptoms you should seek an urgent assessment from your GP, local walk-in centre or A&E department.

    Safety: taking other medicines

    As is true of all medication, Nitrofurantoin can interact with other medicines. This is why it's important that you let us know which prescription, over-the-counter medicines and recreational drugs you are taking so that we can prescribe Nitrofurantoin safely.

    Alternative treatments

    Nitrofurantoin has been recognised as the first-choice antibiotic treatment for all UTIs by Public Health England. However, if for any reason Nitrofurantoin is not suitable for you, our clinicians may prescribe Trimethoprim as an alternative treatment.

    Mild symptoms of UTIs may also clear up on their own within a few days. You should drink plenty of water and refrain from sexual intercourse during this time. Over-the-counter painkillers can also be taken to help relieve pain or discomfort.

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    How our cystitis service works

    1. Complete our simple, confidential online consultation

      5 mins

    2. One of our clinicians confirms your suitability and notifies you by email

      About 30 mins (Mon-Sun 9am-5pm)

    3. Choose collection or delivery

      Next-day delivery

      Next-day collection from local ParcelShop

      Same-day pharmacy collection

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    Delivery & collection information

    • Next-day delivery

      £4.95

      Orders approved before 5pm Monday-Friday will arrive within 1-2 working days. Orders approved between 5pm Friday and 12pm Sunday will usually arrive on Monday or Tuesday.

    • Next day ParcelShop collection

      £2.95

      Collect next day from 7000+ convenient ParcelShop locations, if approved before 5pm Monday-Friday. Saturday and Sunday orders, collect Monday if approved before 12pm Sunday or Tuesday if ordered after 12pm. 

    • London same-day collection

      Free

      Order before 5pm Monday-Friday to collect in pharmacy the same day. Subject to the availability of your treatment in your selected London pharmacy.

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