Patient Medication Information: uses, side effects, how to take - Jamp Nitrofurantoin
What is Jamp Nitrofurantoin used for?
Jamp Nitrofurantoin is used to treat infections of the urinary tract.
Antibacterial drugs like Jamp Nitrofurantoin treat only bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections.
How does Jamp Nitrofurantoin work?
Jamp Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic. It is activated when it is broken down by bacteria. After it is activated, Jamp Nitrofurantoin kills bacteria and prevents the growth of infections.
What are the ingredients in Jamp Nitrofurantoin?
Medicinal ingredients: nitrofurantoin
Non-medicinal ingredients:
50 mg Capsules: Lactose Monohydrate, Maize Starch, talc. The capsule shell contains Quinoline Yellow, gelatin, titanium dioxide. Printing Material composition: Shellac, Propylene Glycol, Black Iron Oxide and Potassium Hydroxide.
100 mg Capsules: Lactose Monohydrate, Maize starch, talc. The capsule shell contains Quinoline Yellow, gelatin, titanium dioxide. Printing Material composition: Shellac, Propylene Glycol, Black Iron Oxide and Potassium Hydroxide.
Jamp Nitrofurantoin comes in the following dosage forms:
Jamp Nitrofurantoin is available as 50 mg and 100 mg capsule.
Do not use Jamp Nitrofurantoin if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Jamp Nitrofurantoin. Make sure to read “What are the ingredients in Jamp Nitrofurantoin?” above.
- you have a severe disease of the kidneys.
you are in the final stages of pregnancy (in labour or during delivery) as there is a risk that it might affect the baby
Do not give Jamp Nitrofurantoin to newborns or infants under one month of age.
To help avoid side effects and ensure proper use, talk to your healthcare professional before you take Jamp Nitrofurantoin. Talk about any health conditions or problems you may have, including if you:
- have disease of the lungs. You may develop lung disease if you need to take Jamp Nitrofurantoin for a number of months. Your doctor must regularly check how your lungs are working. Talk to your doctor about benefits and risks of taking Jamp Nitrofurantoin for a long term.
- have liver disease. Your doctor may want to regularly check how your liver is working. Your doctor may want to regularly check how your liver is working. If you get liver disease while taking Jamp Nitrofurantoin, you should immediately stop taking the medicine and talk to your doctor.
- have kidney disease
- lack an enzyme (body chemical) called G6PD (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase). Your red blood cells are more easily damaged if you do not have this enzyme. This condition is more common in black people and people of Mediterranean or near- Eastern origin. Your doctor will know about this.
- Are breast feeding a baby with suspected or known deficiency in an enzyme called G6PD (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase).
- Are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant.
Other warnings you should know about:
The following conditions may increase the chance of developing a side effect which causes damage to the nerves, altered sense of feeling, like pins and needles:
- anaemia (a decrease in red blood cells causing pale skin, weakness and breathlessness);
- diabetes
- a lack of vitamin B
- abnormal levels of salts in your blood.
- you are suffering from an illness that makes you very tired
Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take, including any drugs, vitamins, minerals, natural supplements or alternative medicines.
The following may interact with Jamp Nitrofurantoin:
Medicines:
- medicines for indigestion (Antacids e.g. magnesium trisilicate)
- medicines for gout (e.g. probenecid or sulfinpyrazone)
You should not take Jamp Nitrofurantoin along with medicines that affect your kidneys
Laboratory tests:
- If you are taking Jamp Nitrofurantoin, you may get false positive results when you test your urine for sugars (glucose).
How to take Jamp Nitrofurantoin:
Jamp Nitrofurantoin should be taken with food or milk. This will help to avoid upset stomach.
- Although you may feel better early in treatment, Jamp Nitrofurantoin should be used exactly as directed.
- Misuse or overuse of Jamp Nitrofurantoin could lead to the growth of bacteria that will not be killed by Jamp Nitrofurantoin (resistance). This means that Jamp Nitrofurantoin may not work for you in the future.
- Do not share your medicine.
Usual dose:
Adults: 50-100 mg four times a day.
Children: Dosage should be calculated on the basis of 5-7 mg/kg of body weight per 24 hours given in divided doses four times a day (contraindicated in infants under one month).
If you have a urinary tract infection, your doctor will decide how long you should take Jamp Nitrofurantoin.
Overdose:
Missed Dose:
If you forget to take Jamp Nitrofurantoin, do not worry. If you remember later on that day, take that day’s dose as usual. If you miss a whole day’s dose take the normal dose on the next day. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten capsule. If you are not sure ask your doctor or pharmacist.
What are possible side effects from using Jamp Nitrofurantoin?
These are not all the possible side effects you may feel when taking Jamp Nitrofurantoin. If you experience any side effects not listed here, contact your healthcare professional.
Common side effects in people who take Jamp Nitrofurantoin include:
- nausea or vomiting
- headache
- flatulence (passing gas)
Serious side effects and what to do about them
| Symptom / effect | Talk to your healthcare professional | Stop taking drug and get immediate medical help | |
| Only if severe | In all cases | ||
| Lung disease (May include fever, chills, cough, chest pain and shortness of breath) | ✓ | ||
| Liver problems (skin and eyes appear yellowish, itchy skin, dark urine color) | ✓ | ||
If you think you have taken too much Jamp Nitrofurantoin, contact your healthcare professional, hospital emergency department or regional poison control centre immediately, even if there are no symptoms.
| Numbness or tingling | ✓ |
If you have a troublesome symptom or side effect that is not listed here or becomes bad enough to interfere with your daily activities, talk to your healthcare professional.
Storage:
Store between 15° - 30°C.
Keep out of reach and sight of children.
If you want more information about Jamp Nitrofurantoin:
- Talk to your healthcare professional
- Find the full Product Monograph that is prepared for healthcare professionals and includes this Patient Medication Information by visiting the Health Canada website (https://health-products.canada.ca/dpd-bdpp/index-eng.jsp); or by calling 1-866-399-9091.
Last Approved: January 7, 2020
Reporting Side Effects
You can report any suspected side effects associated with the use of health products to Health Canada by:
- Visiting the Web page on Adverse Reaction Reporting (https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/medeffect-canada/adverse-reaction-reporting.html) for information on how to report online, by mail or by fax; or
- Calling toll-free at 1-866-234-2345.
NOTE: Contact your health professional if you need information about how to manage your side effects. The Canada Vigilance Program does not provide medical advice.
