Nitrofurantoin Alternative Names
Nitrofurantoin is also known as nitrofurantoin macrocrystals or nitrofurantoin monohydrate/macrocrystals. 1
Brand Names and Formulations
The drug is marketed under the brand name Furadantin, as referenced in the question context. 1
Available Formulations
Nitrofurantoin comes in different pharmaceutical formulations that are clinically relevant:
- Nitrofurantoin macrocrystals - The crystalline form of the drug 1
- Nitrofurantoin monohydrate/macrocrystals - A combination formulation that is commonly prescribed at 100 mg twice daily for 5-7 days for uncomplicated urinary tract infections 2
Clinical Context
These different formulations are therapeutically equivalent and are used interchangeably in clinical practice for treating urinary tract infections. 2 The monohydrate/macrocrystal formulation has been extensively studied and demonstrates clinical cure rates of 88-93% and bacterial cure rates of 81-92% for acute uncomplicated cystitis. 2
The drug has been in clinical use for over 70 years (since the 1950s) and maintains high susceptibility rates against common uropathogens, with approximately 95% of E. coli isolates remaining susceptible. 2, 3