Summary of medicine characteristics - NITROFURANTOIN 25 MG / 5ML ORAL SUSPENSION, FURADANTIN 25 MG / 5ML ORAL SUSPENSION
1 NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT
1 NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCTFuradantin 25mg/5ml Oral Suspension OR Nitrofurantoin 25mg/5ml Oral Suspension
2. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION
Contains 25mg Nitrofurantoin Ph. Eur. per 5ml
Excipient(s) with known effect
5mg Methyl parahydroxybenzoate Ph. Eur.per 5ml
1mg Propyl parahydroxybenzoate Ph. Eur.per 5ml
For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1.
3. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM
An opaque yellow liquid with a lemon/apricot charateristic odour.
4. CLINICAL PARTICULARS
4.1. Therapeutic indications
For the treatment of and prophylaxis against acute or recurrent, uncomplicated lower urinary tract infections or pyelitis either spontaneous or following surgical procedures. It is indicated in adults and children over 3 months of age.
Nitrofurantoin is specifically indicated for the treatment of infections when due to susceptible strains of Escherichia coli, Enterococci, Staphylococci, Citrobacter, Klebsiella and Enterobacter.
4.2. Posology and method of administration
Posology
Adults
Acute Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections: 50mg four times daily for seven days
Severe Chronic Recurrence: 100mg four times a day for seven days
Long Term Suppression: 50mg – 100mg once a day.
Prophylaxis: 50mg four times daily for the duration of procedure and 3 days thereafter.
Paediatric population
Children and Infants over three months of age
Acute Urinary Tract Infections: 3mg/kg/day in four divided doses for seven days.
Suppressive: 1mg/kg, once a day.
Elderly
Provided there is no significant renal impairment, in which Nitrofurantoin is contraindicated, the dosage should be that for any normal adult. See precaution and risks to elderly patients associated with long term therapy (see section 4.8).
Renal impairment
Nitrofurantoin is contraindicated in patients with renal dysfunction and in patients with an eGFR of less than 45 ml/minute (see sections 4.3 & 4.4).
Method of administration
For oral use
This medicine should always be taken with food or milk. Taking Furadantin Oral Suspension/Nitrofurantoin Oral Suspension with a meal improves absorption and is important for optimal efficacy.
4.3 Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to the active substance, other nitrofurans or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.
Patients suffering from renal dysfunction with an eGFR below 45 ml/minute.
G6PD deficiency (see also section 4.6).
Acute Porphyria
In infants under three months of age as well as pregnant patients at term (during labour and delivery) because of the theoretical possibility of haemolytic anaemia in the foetus or in the newborn infant due to immature erythrocyte enzyme systems.
4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use
Nitrofurantoin is not effective for the treatment of parenchymal infections of unilaterally non-functioning kidney. A surgical cause for infection should be excluded in recurrent or severe cases.
Nitrofurantoin may be used with caution as short-course therapy only for the treatment of uncomplicated lower urinary tract infection in individual cases with an eGFR between 30–44 ml/min to treat resistant pathogens, when the benefits are expected to outweigh the risks.
Since pre-existing conditions may mask adverse reactions, Nitrofurantoin should be used with caution in patients with pulmonary disease, hepatic dysfunction, neurological disorders, and allergic diathesis.
Peripheral neuropathy and susceptibility to peripheral neuropathy, which may become severe or irreversible, has occurred and may be life threatening. Therefore, treatment should be stopped at the first signs of neural involvement (paranesthesia).
Nitrofurantoin should be used with caution in patients with anaemia, diabetes mellitus, electrolyte imbalance, debilitating conditions and Vitamin B (particularly folate) deficiency.
Acute, subacute and chronic pulmonary reactions have been observed in patients treated with nitrofurantoin. If these reactions occur, nitrofurantoin should be discontinued immediately.
Chronic pulmonary reactions (including pulmonary fibrosis and diffuse interstitial pneumonitis) can develop insidiously, and may occur commonly in elderly patients. Close monitoring of the pulmonary conditions of patients receiving longterm therapy is warranted (especially in the elderly).
Patients should be monitored closely for signs of hepatitis (particularly in long terms use).
Urine may be coloured yellow or brown after taking Nitrofurantoin. Patients on Nitrofurantoin are susceptible to false positive urinary glucose (if tested for reducing substances).
Nitrofurantoin should be discontinued at any sign of haemolysis in those with suspected glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency.
Hepatotoxicity
Hepatic reactions, including hepatitis, autoimmune hepatitis, cholestatic jaundice, chronic active hepatitis, and hepatic necrosis, occur rarely. Fatalities have been reported. The onset of chronic active hepatitis may be insidious, and patients should be monitored periodically for changes in biochemical tests that would indicate liver injury. If hepatitis occurs, the drug should be withdrawn immediately and appropriate measures should be taken.
Discontinue treatment with Nitrofurantoin if otherwise unexplained pulmonary, hepatic, haematological or neurological syndromes occur.
Excipient warnings:
This medicine contains methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218) and propyl parahydroxybenzoate (E216) which may cause allergic reactions (possibly delayed).
This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per dose, that is to say essentially ‘sodium-free’
4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
1. Increased absorption with food or agents delaying gastric emptying.
2. Decreased absorption with magnesium trisilicate.
3. Decreased renal excretion of Nitrofurantoin by probenecid and sulfinpyrazone.
4. Decreased anti-bacterial activity by carbonic anhydrase inhibitors and urine alkalisation.
5. Anti-bacterial antagonism by quinolone anti-infectives.
6. Interference with some tests for glucose in urine
7. As Nitrofurantoin belongs to the group of Antibacterials it will have the following resulting interactions:
Typhoid Vaccine (oral): Antibacterials inactivate oral typhoid vaccine.
4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and Lactation
Pregnancy
Animal studies with Nitrofurantoin have shown no teratogenic effects. Nitrofurantoin has been in extensive clinical use since 1952 and its suitability in human pregnancy has been well documented. However, as with all other drugs, the maternal side effects may adversely affect course of pregnancy. The drug should be used at the lowest dose as appropriate for specific indication, only after careful assessment. Nitrofurantoin is however contraindicated in infants under three months of age and in pregnant women during labour and delivery, because of the possible risk of haemolysis of the infants' immature red cells
Breast-feeding
Breast feeding an infant known or suspected to have an erythrocyte enzyme deficiency (including G6PD deficiency), must be temporarily avoided, since Nitrofurantoin is detected in trace amounts in breast milk.
Fertility
No data available
4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines
Nitrofurantoin may cause dizziness and drowsiness. Patients should be advised not to drive or operate machinery if affected in this way until such symptoms go away.
4.8 Undesirable effects
A tabulated list of undesirable effects is outlined below:
The undesirable effects are listed according to organ systems and following frequencies:
Rare (>1/10,000 to <1/1,000)
Not known (cannot be estimated from the available data)
| System organ class | Frequency | Adverse reaction |
| Infections and infestations | Not known | Superinfections by fungi or resistant organisms such as Pseudomonas. However, these are limited to the genitourinary tract |
| Blood and lymphatic system disorders | Rare Not known | Aplastic anaemia Agranulocytosis, leucopenia, granulocytopenia, haemolytic anaemia, thrombocytopenia, glucose-6-phosphatedehydrogenase deficiency anaemia, megaloblastic anaemia and eosinophilia |
| Immune system disorders | Not known | Anaphylaxis, angioneurotic oedema, ,cutaneous vasculitis and allergic skin reactions |
| Psychiatric disorders | Not known | Psychotic reactions, depression, euphoria, confusion, |
| Nervous system disorders | Not known | Benign intracranial hypertension, peripheral neuropathy including optic neuritis (sensory as well as motor involvement), nystagmus, vertigo, dizziness, headache and drowsiness. |
| Cardiac disorders | Rare | Collapse and cyanosis |
| Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders | Not known | Pulmonary fibrosis; possible association with lupus-erythematous-like syndrome, acute pulmonary reactions*, subacute pulmonary reactions*, chronic pulmonary reactions*, cough, dyspnoea, |
| Gastrointestinal disorders | Not known | Sialoadenitis, pancreatitis, anorexia, emesis, abdominal pain, diarrhea and nausea |
| Hepatobiliary disorders | Not known | Chronic active hepatitis, hepatic necrosis, autoimmune hepatitis, cholestatic jaundice |
| Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders | Not known | Lupus-like syndrome associated with pulmonary reaction. Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS syndrome), cutaneous vasculitis, exfoliative dermatitis and erythema multiforme (including Stevens-Johnson Syndrome), maculopapular, erythematous or eczematous eruptions,urticaria, rash,pruritis and Transient alopecia |
| Renal and urinary disorders | Not known | interstitial nephritis, yellow or brown discolouration of urine, |
| General disorders and administration site conditions | Not known | Asthenia, fever, chills, drug fever and arthralgia |
| Investigations | Not known | False positive urinary glucose |
*Acute pulmonary reactions usually occur within the first week of treatment and are reversible with cessation of therapy. Acute pulmonary reactions are commonly manifested by fever, chills, cough, chest pain, dyspnoea, pulmonary infiltration with consolidation or pleural effusion on chest x-ray, and eosinophilia. In subacute pulmonary reactions, fever and eosinophilia occur less often than in the acute form. Chronic pulmonary reactions occur rarely in patients who have received continuous therapy for six months or longer and are more common in elderly patients. Changes in ECG have occurred, associated with pulmonary reactions
Fatal events have been reported.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra. gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
4.9 Overdose
4.9 OverdoseSymptoms
Symptoms and signs of overdose include gastric irritation, nausea and vomiting.
Management
There is no known specific antidote. However, Nitrofurantoin can be hemodialyzed in cases of recent ingestion. Standard treatment is by induction of emesis or by gastric lavage. Monitoring of full blood count, liver function, and pulmonary function tests are recommended. A high fluid intake should be maintained to promote urinary excretion of the drug.
5. PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES
5.1. Pharmacodynamic Properties
Pharmacotherapeutic group: Antibacterials for systemic use, Nitrofuran derivatives, ATC code: J01XE01
Mechanism of action
Nitrofurantoin is a broad-spectrum antibacterial agent, active against the majority of urinary pathogens. The wide range of organisms sensitive to the bactericidal activity include:
Escherichia coli
Enterococcus Faecalis
Klebsiella Species
Enterobacter Species
Staphylococcus Species, e.g. S.Aureus, S.Saprophyticus, S.Epidermidis Citrobacter Species
Clinically most common urinary pathogens are sensitive to Nitrofurantoin. Most strains of Proteus and Serratia are resistant. All pseudomonas strains are resistant.
5.2. Pharmacokinetic Properties
Absorption
Orally administered Nitrofurantoin is readily absorbed in the upper gastrointestinal tract and is rapidly excreted in the urine. Blood concentrations at therapeutic dosages are usually low
Elimination
Maximum urinary excretion usually occurs 2–4 hours after administration of Nitrofurantoin. Urinary drug dose recoveries of about 40–45% are obtained. It has an elimination half-life of about 30 minutes
5.3. Pre-clinical Safety Data
5.3. Pre-clinical Safety DataA carcinogenic effect of Nitrofurantoin in animal studies was observed. However, human data and extensive use of Nitrofurantoin over 50 years do not support such observation.
6 PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS
6.1 List of excipients
Furadantin Oral Suspension/ Nitrofurantoin Oral Suspension contains glycerol (E422), polysorbate-20, Carbomer, Saccharin sodium, Methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218), Propyl parahydroxybenzoate (E216), Sodium Hydroxide, flavourings (Lemon Essence F31874 and Apricot Flavour F31191) and purified water.
6.2. Incompatibilities
Not applicable.
6.3 Shelf life
3 years
Use within 30 days after first opening
6.4. Special precautions for storage
Do not store above 25°C. Store in the original container in order to protect from light and moisture. Do not freeze.
6.5. Nature and Content of Container
6.5. Nature and Content of ContainerThis Suspension is supplied in 300ml amber glass bottles.
6.6. Special precautions for disposal
Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.
Furadantin suspension should be protected from light, as exposure will cause darkening of the active principle. Because of this, amber bottles should be used in dispensing.
7 MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER
7 MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDERMercury Pharmaceuticals Ltd,
Capital House,
85 King William Street,
London EC4N 7BL, UK
8. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)
PL 12762/0055
9. DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF AUTHORISATION
9. DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF AUTHORISATION31/03/2000