Patient/caregiver was educated on the side-effects of using Nitrofurantoin as follows:
Metabolic side-effects
- Nitrofurantoin intake by diabetic individuals can result in poor blood sugar control and episodes of hyperglycemia. Diabetic individuals taking Nitrofurantoin for prolonged period of time must be aware of this side-effect with Nitrofurantoin and the signs and symptoms of hyperglycemia they can present with, such as, episodes of confusion, dry mouth, frequent urination, increased thirst and hunger, dry skin, and blurred vision. Report these findings to your physician, so that, a change in plan of care could be considered.
Opportunistic infections
- Normal friendly flora residing in the human body help prevent growth of opportunistic infections. Nitrofurantoin use, like any other antibiotic, can destroy the normal flora and tip the balance in favor of opportunistic infections.
- Individuals taking Nitrofurantoin for prolonged period of time carry a significant risk for opportunistic fungal infections, such as, oral thrush, vaginal candida and yeast infections in females. Watch closely for signs and symptoms of opportunistic infections, such as, white patches in the mouth and sore throat. Women can present with intense itching with white discharge from the vagina. Report any of these findings immediately to your physician, for any appropriate measures to be considered.
