Nitrofurantoin in Chronic Urinary Tract Infection

Abstract

Nitrofurantoin (Furadantin) has recently become established as a useful drug in urinary tract infections. After oral administration it is excreted in the urine in sufficiently high concentrations to give strong antibacterial effects against many microorganisms which are commonly encountered in urinary tract infections. In spite of the demonstration of nitrofurantoin in the blood by chemical methods,¹ no significant antibacterial action in blood has been detected.² The lack of antimicrobial effect in the blood of persons receiving nitrofurantoin combined with the marked antimicrobial action in their urine defines this drug as a urinary antiseptic, i. e., a substance likely to suppress bacteria in urine but not in tissue. Many studies have dealt with the usefulness of nitrofurantoin in acute and uncomplicated infections of the urinary tract.^2-5 Daily doses of from 400 to 800 mg. continued for 3 to 12 days frequently result in the relief of symptoms and