Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Nitrofurantoin as follows:
- Prolonged use of Nitrofurantoin can result in deficiency of enzyme systems (G6PDH), needed to maintain the integrity of red blood cells. This can result in poor red blood cell integrity, predisposing the cells to lysis, contributing to development of hemolytic anemia. This breakdown of red blood cells can result in elevated levels of the yellow pigment, bilirubin, in the blood, which can result in signs and symptoms of jaundice. Long term Nitrofurantoin intake also can lead to hepatic injury, thus compromising liver function. Hepatic injury and altered liver function can also result in increased bilirubin levels in the body and signs and symptoms of jaundice. Individuals can present with itching, dark urine, yellowing of skin and eyes, nausea and vomiting, poor metabolism, and fatigue. Report any of these findings to your physician, so that, a change in plan of care could be considered.
- Closely follow upon the signs and symptoms of UTI, such as, pain and burning sensation near the urinary passage, low grade fever and chills, and foul smelling urine, and relief obtained with Nitrofurantoin use. Notify your doctor of any unresolved and worsening symptoms of UTI or continuing unpleasant side-effects from Nitrofurantoin use, so that, your dosage on the medication could be revised.
