Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic that is used to treat various types of infections. It is not typically used to treat tooth infections. However, it may be effective in treating some types of tooth infections. If you have a tooth infection, it is important to see a dentist so that the infection can be properly treated.
What is nitrofurantoin?
Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic. It is used to treat urinary tract infections. It works by killing the bacteria that cause the infection. Nitrofurantoin is a prescription medicine. It comes as a capsule and as an extended-release (long-acting) capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken once or twice a day. The extended-release capsule is taken with a meal or snack, or at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. If you are taking the extended-release capsule, you may take it with food or milk.
What is a tooth infection?
A tooth infection is a serious dental problem that occurs when bacteria get into the tooth and start to multiply. The bacteria can come from the food we eat, from plaque that forms on our teeth, or from other sources. Once the bacteria are inside the tooth, they can damage the tooth’s structure and cause an infection.
Tooth infections can be painful, and if left untreated, they can lead to more serious problems. The infection can spread to the jawbone and the surrounding tissues, and it can even enter the bloodstream and cause a serious illness.
Most tooth infections can be treated with antibiotics. But in some cases, the infection is so severe that the tooth needs to be removed.
To avoid tooth infections, it’s important to brush your teeth regularly and see your dentist for regular checkups. If you have a toothache, see your dentist right away.
What are the symptoms of a tooth infection?
When you have a tooth infection, bacteria has entered your tooth and started to multiply. This bacteria causes your tooth to become inflamed, and if left untreated, can destroy your tooth and spread to other parts of your body. Symptoms of a tooth infection include:
- severe toothache that is worse when you lie down or put pressure on the tooth
- sensitivity to hot and cold
- gum tenderness
- swollen lymph nodes
- fever
- foul-smelling breath
- pus coming from the infected tooth
- pain when you chew or move the infected tooth
If you think you have a tooth infection, it's important to see a dentist right away. The dentist will likely take an X-ray to confirm the infection and then prescribe antibiotics to clear it up. In some cases, the tooth may need to be removed.
How does nitrofurantoin work?
How does nitrofurantoin work?
Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic that is used to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs). It works by causing the bacteria that cause the infection to die.
UTIs are usually caused by bacteria that live in the bowel and make their way into the urinary tract. The most common type of bacteria that causes UTIs is Escherichia coli (E. coli). Nitrofurantoin works by preventing the bacteria from growing and multiplying.
It is important to take nitrofurantoin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The usual dose is 100mg four times a day for seven days. Nitrofurantoin should be taken with food or milk to reduce stomach upset.
Some common side effects of nitrofurantoin include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and headaches. These side effects are usually mild and should go away after a few days. If you experience any severe side effects, such as severe stomach pain, you should contact your doctor immediately.
Nitrofurantoin is generally a safe and effective antibiotic for treating UTIs. However, it is important to take it exactly as prescribed and to finish the full course of treatment to ensure that the infection is completely cleared.
Is nitrofurantoin effective against all types of tooth infections?
The jury is still out on whether nitrofurantoin is effective against all types of tooth infections. Some studies seem to show promise while others are inconclusive. Overall, more research is needed in order to say for certain whether or not nitrofurantoin is effective against all types of tooth infections.
One study published in the International Journal of Oral Science in 2016 looked at the efficacy of nitrofurantoin against various Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The study found that nitrofurantoin was effective against all of the bacteria tested, with the exception of one Gram-negative strain. Another study published in the Journal of Oral Science in 2012 looked specifically at the efficacy of nitrofurantoin against dental plaque-associated bacteria. This study found that nitrofurantoin was effective against all of the bacteria tested.
So, based on the available research, it appears that nitrofurantoin is effective against most, if not all, types of tooth infections. However, more research is needed to confirm this. If you are suffering from a tooth infection, speak to your dentist or doctor to see if nitrofurantoin may be right for you.
What are the side effects of nitrofurantoin?
Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic medication used to treat urinary tract infections. It works by killing or stopping the growth of bacteria.
The most common side effects of nitrofurantoin include:
nausea
vomiting
diarrhea
stomach pain
headache
dizziness
rash
These side effects are typically mild and go away on their own. However, serious side effects can occur. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:
fever
yellowing of the skin or eyes
dark urine
pain in the upper right part of the stomach
easy bruising or bleeding
unusual tiredness
shortness of breath
Nitrofurantoin can also cause a number of less serious side effects. These include:
temporary hair loss
changes in appetite
weight loss
anemia
headache
depression
anxiety
If you experience any of these side effects, talk to your doctor. They may be able to prescribe a different medication.
Nitrofurantoin is generally safe for most people. However, there are a few people who should not take this medication. These include people with kidney disease or a history of kidney disease. If you have any concerns, talk to your doctor.
What are the contraindications of nitrofurantoin?
Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic medication used to treat urinary tract infections. It works by killing the bacteria that cause the infection. Nitrofurantoin is available as a generic medication and is not expensive. However, it can cause some serious side effects, including:
Allergic reactions: Some people may experience an allergic reaction to nitrofurantoin, which can be life-threatening. If you experience any of the following symptoms after taking nitrofurantoin, seek medical help immediately:
- difficulty breathing
- hives
- swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- dizziness
- lightheadedness
- fainting
Lung problems: Nitrofurantoin can cause a serious lung condition called pulmonary fibrosis. Symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis include:
- shortness of breath
- coughing
- fatigue
- weight loss
If you experience any of these symptoms after taking nitrofurantoin, seek medical help immediately.
Kidney damage: Nitrofurantoin can cause kidney damage, which can lead to kidney failure. Symptoms of kidney damage include:
- decreased urine output
- swelling of the ankles, feet, or legs
- fatigue
- difficulty urinating
If you experience any of these symptoms after taking nitrofurantoin, seek medical help immediately.
Contraindications: Nitrofurantoin is contraindicated in people with a history of allergy to nitrofurantoin, people with liver disease or liver failure, people with kidney disease or kidney failure, and pregnant women.
If you have any of these conditions, do not take nitrofurantoin.
How should nitrofurantoin be taken?
Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic medication used to treat bacterial infections of the respiratory tract, urinary tract, and skin. It is also used to prevent recurrent urinary tract infections in people who have previously had an infection. Nitrofurantoin belongs to a class of drugs called nitroimidazoles.
The recommended adult dose of nitrofurantoin ranges from 100 mg to 400 mg, depending on the indication. The usual dose for treating urinary tract infections is 100 mg twice daily for 7 days. The usual dose for preventing recurrent urinary tract infections is 100 mg once daily.
Nitrofurantoin should be taken with food or milk to lessen stomach upset. It is important to take nitrofurantoin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not skip doses or stop taking nitrofurantoin without first talking to your doctor.
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking nitrofurantoin and seek emergency medical attention:
• shortness of breath
• swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• hives
• rash
• itching
• difficulty swallowing
• wheezing
• hoarseness
• Chest pain
• fast or irregular heartbeat
• seizures
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• dark urine
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• nausea or vomiting
• abdominal pain
• loss of appetite
• fever
• unusual bruising or bleeding
• joint pain
If you experience any of the following less serious side effects, continue taking nitrofurantoin and talk to your doctor:
• headache
• dizziness
• loss of balance
• tiredness
• diarrhea
• constipation
• stomach upset
• nausea
• vomiting
• loss of appetite
• weight loss
• skin rash
• itching
• hives
• fever
• unusual bruising or bleeding
• joint pain
• dark urine
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What are the possible drug interactions with nitrofurantoin?
Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic that is used to treat urinary tract infections. It is sold under the brand names Macrobid, Macrodantin, and Furadantin. Nitrofurantoin is also available as a generic drug.
Generic drugs usually cost less than the brand-name versions. In some cases, they may not be available in all strengths or forms as the brand-name drugs.
Nitrofurantoin belongs to a class of drugs called nitrofurans. A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way. These drugs are often used to treat similar conditions.
Nitrofurantoin works by killing bacteria that cause infections in the urinary tract.
Nitrofurantoin can cause serious or life-threatening side effects. You should not take this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to nitrofurantoin.
Do not take nitrofurantoin if you are pregnant. This medicine can harm an unborn baby. If you are a woman of childbearing age, you should use birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are taking nitrofurantoin. If you become pregnant while taking this medicine, stop taking it and call your doctor right away.
You should not take nitrofurantoin if you are breast-feeding. This medicine can pass into breast milk and may cause side effects in a child who is breast-fed.
Do not give this medicine to anyone under 18 years old without the advice of a doctor.
Tell your doctor about all your other medicines. Some other drugs may affect nitrofurantoin, and some medicines may affect how nitrofurantoin works.
You may need to stop using nitrofurantoin for a short time. Do not skip any doses. Stopping the medicine too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection.
Nitrofurantoin can cause serious side effects. Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
fever,
Frequently Asked Questions
How to know if you have a tooth infection?
A tooth infection is the most common gum disease, and it’s caused when bacteria from your mouth get into the nerve that branches from your tooth down into your jawbone. This can cause a sore under the gums (collection of pus) and bad taste in the mouth. You might also have swelling and inflammation near the affected tooth and loose tooth. Fever might be present, as well as flu-like symptoms such as chills, headache, and a sore throat. Tooth sensitivity is another common symptom of a tooth infection. If the infection causes pain when you chew or bite down, you probably have a severe toothache that doesn’t go away. Swollen and painful lymph nodes in the neck may be present as well.
What are the symptoms of a toothache?
1. Tooth pain that may be sharp, throbbing, or constant. 2. Swelling around the tooth. 3. Fever or headache. 4. Foul-tasting drainage from the infected tooth. 5. A bad odor from the mouth.
What are the causes of dental infections?
Dental infections can be caused by many different things. The bacteria that is always in your mouth can enter the tooth through cavities or small holes in the enamel of the tooth, causing tooth decay. The bacteria will eat its way down through the tooth until it gets to the pulp of the tooth. The following are three typical causes of dental infections: The bacteria that usually lives in your mouth can get into your teeth through tiny cracks and openings known as cavities. Once inside, this type of bacteria starts to eat away at your teeth’s crystals, potentially leading to decay. A common cause of dental infection is a viruses called human papillomavirus (HPV). When HPV enters your mouth through a sore on your lips or tongue, it can easily travel up into your teeth where it can cause Cavity Nosode Removal. While most people don’t have any symptoms from HPV, it can still lead to oral cancer if left untreated.
Can a tooth infection cause stomach pain and diarrhea?
Yes, a tooth infection can spread to your stomach and cause abdominal pain and diarrhea.
How do I know if my tooth extraction is infected?
If you experience any of the following signs of infection, it may be time to see a doctor: foul breath, bitter or foul taste in the mouth, fever, pain that increases after extraction, extra tooth sensitivity (hot and cold temperature), swollen gums. If you are antibiotics-naive, you may also experience an infection at the site of the dental procedure.
