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Urinary tract infection - children - Management
What issues should I consider before prescribing nitrofurantoin?
- Nitrofurantoin is available as a sugar-free oral suspension (25 mg/5 mL) and tablets (50 mg), and is licensed in children aged over 3 months. A modified-release capsule (100 mg) is also available but is not licensed for children under 12 years of age. Nitrofurantoin products are licensed specifically for use as a 7–day course.
- Nitrofurantoin should not be used in children:
- Who are known to be at risk of peripheral neuropathy, for example children with renal impairment, anaemia, diabetes mellitus, electrolyte imbalance, or vitamin B deficiency (nitrofurantoin can cause peripheral neuropathy, so susceptible children are at further increased risk).
- With renal insufficiency, as it may form inadequate concentrations in urine (and precipitate peripheral neuropathy).
- With glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (as it may cause haemolysis).
- Serious adverse effects with nitrofurantoin are very rare when short courses are used. Nitrofurantoin does not interact with any drugs a child is likely to be taking.
[BNF 54, 2007]
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