Neonatal Drug Therapy Manual

Nitrofurantoin

Disclaimer: Official controlled document is the CHEO and Ottawa Hospital online copy. It is the responsibility of user to ensure that any paper copy version is the same as the online version before use.

Updated January 26, 2022 - 6:00pm

Alternate Name(s): 
Macrobid, Macrodantin
Classification: 
Antibiotic
Original Date: 
February 2009
Indications: 
  • Prevention and treatment of urinary tract infections caused by susceptible gram-negative and some gram-positive organisms
Administration: 
  • PO: administer with feeds
Dosage: 
  • Treatment:
    • 5 - 7 mg/kg/day divided Q6H
  • Prophylaxis:
    • 1 - 2 mg/kg/day as a single daily dose

* Avoid use in renal impairment

Side Effects: 
  • Dermatologic: rash, exfoliative dermatitis, urticaria, pruritis
  • GI: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
  • Genitourinary: discolouration of urine (dark yellow or brown)
  • Hematologic: haemolytic anemia, leucopenia, thrombocytopenia
  • Hepatic: cholestatic jaundice, hepatitis, elevated liver function tests
  • Neuromuscular: peripheral neurophathy
Parameters to Monitor: 
  • CBC
  • Periodic liver and renal function tests
Reconstitution and Stability: 

N/A

Compatibility: 

N/A

Notes: 

Should only be given in patients with PCA > 38 weeks and a post-natal age > 1 month due to the possibility of hemolytic anemia

References: 

1.       Taketomo CK, Hodding JH, Kraus DM.  Pediatric Dosage Handbook.  16th Edition.  Hudson: Lexi-Comp Inc.; 2009

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