MSI_000065772

A bacteriostatic or bactericidal agent depending on the concentration and susceptibility of the infecting organism. Nitrofurantoin is active against some gram positive organisms such as S. aureus, S. epidermidis, S. saprophyticus, Enterococcus faecalis, S. agalactiae, group D streptococci, viridians streptococci and Corynebacterium. Its spectrum of activity against gram negative organisms includes E. coli, Enterobacter, Neisseria, Salmonella and Shigella. It may be used as an alternative to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole for treating urinary tract infections though it may be less effective at eradicating vaginal bacteria. May also be used in females as prophylaxis against recurrent cystitis related to coitus. Nitrofurantoin is highly stable to the development of bacterial resistance, a property thought to be due to its multiplicity of mechanisms of action. J - Antiinfectives for systemic use > J01 - Antibacterials for systemic use > J01X - Other antibacterials > J01XE - Nitrofuran derivatives C254 - Anti-Infective Agent > C255 - Urinary Anti-Infective Agent D000890 - Anti-Infective Agents > D000900 - Anti-Bacterial Agents