Niftas 50 Tablet

NIFTAS 50 TABLET is an antibiotic medication manufactured by INTAS PHARMACEUTICALS LTD, primarily used for the treatment and prevention of bacterial infections, particularly those affecting the urinary tract.

Name

• Brand Name: NIFTAS 50 TABLET
• Common Name: Nitrofurantoin

Composition

NIFTAS 50 TABLET contains Nitrofurantoin 50mg as its active ingredient.

Uses

This medicine is prescribed for bacterial infections of the urinary tract (UTIs), including bladder infections (cystitis) and kidney infections. It is effective against susceptible bacterial strains such as Escherichia coli, enterococci, staphylococci, Citrobacter, Klebsiella, and Enterobacter, by inhibiting their growth and reproduction.

Dosage and Administration

NIFTAS 50 TABLET should be taken as advised by your doctor. It is typically swallowed whole with a glass of water and should not be chewed, crushed, or broken. To minimize common side effects like nausea and to enhance absorption, it is recommended to take the tablet with food or milk. Consistency in taking the medicine at the same time each day is advised. It is crucial to complete the entire course of treatment, even if symptoms improve quickly, to ensure complete eradication of the infection and prevent recurrence or development of resistance.

Side Effects

Common side effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, headaches, stomach pain, and gas. A normal, harmless effect of this medication is that it may turn your urine dark yellow or brown. Serious side effects, though rare, warrant immediate medical attention. These include sudden wheezing, difficulty breathing, swelling of the eyelids, face or lips, widespread rash or itching, fever, chills, cough and shortness of breath (indicating a lung reaction), yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice or liver inflammation), muscle weakness, pain or tremors, nerve damage (pain and numbness in hands and feet), and damage to red blood cells (hemolysis, characterized by weakness, fatigue, and pallor).

Precautions

• Allergies: Do not take NIFTAS 50 TABLET if you are allergic to nitrofurantoin or any of its components, or if you have a history of severe reactions to this or other medicines.
• Medical Conditions: Exercise caution or avoid if you have severe kidney disease (especially with high creatinine levels or inability to pass urine), acute porphyria, G6PD deficiency, severe liver disease, diabetes, anemia, vitamin B deficiency, or any illness causing severe weakness.
• Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: While generally considered safe in early pregnancy if prescribed by a doctor, it is not recommended during labor and delivery due to potential risks to the baby. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive, or breastfeeding, as the medicine is excreted in breast milk.
• Alcohol: Avoid consuming alcohol as it may lead to a disulfiram-like reaction, characterized by flushing, increased heart rate, nausea, thirst, chest pain, and low blood pressure.
• Driving & Operating Machinery: This medication may cause dizziness and drowsiness, so caution is advised when driving or operating machinery.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking. NIFTAS 50 TABLET may interact with certain antacids (magnesium trisilicate), gout medications (probenecid, sulfinpyrazone), drugs that slow stomach emptying (atropine, hyoscine), glaucoma medications (acetazolamide), and agents that make urine less acidic (potassium citrate mixture). Avoid grapefruit. It may also increase photosensitivity, so limit sun exposure.
• Lab Tests: NIFTAS 50 TABLET may cause false-positive results in urine tests for sugar using Clinitest®.

Storage

Store NIFTAS 50 TABLET in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, ideally between 10ºC to 25ºC or below 30ºC. Keep it out of the sight and reach of children.

What is NIFTAS 50 TABLET used for?

NIFTAS 50 TABLET is an antibiotic primarily used to treat and prevent bacterial infections of the urinary tract (UTIs), including bladder infections (cystitis) and kidney infections. It is effective against various bacteria such as E. coli, enterococci, staphylococci, Citrobacter, Klebsiella, and Enterobacter.

How does NIFTAS 50 TABLET work?

This medicine contains Nitrofurantoin, an antibiotic that works by entering bacterial cells and destroying their genetic material. It interferes with several bacterial enzyme systems and prevents the formation of the cell wall, ultimately inhibiting bacterial growth and killing the bacteria responsible for the infection.

What is the usual dosage for NIFTAS 50 TABLET?

The dosage of NIFTAS 50 TABLET is determined by your doctor based on the infection and your medical history. It should be taken as advised by your doctor, usually with food or milk to enhance absorption and minimize stomach upset. It's crucial to complete the full prescribed course, even if symptoms improve quickly.

What are the possible side effects of NIFTAS 50 TABLET?

Common side effects can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, headache, stomach discomfort, and gas. A normal, harmless effect of this medication is that your urine may turn a dark yellow or brown color. More serious but rare side effects can include lung toxicity, liver inflammation (jaundice), and peripheral neuropathy. If any side effects persist or worsen, consult your doctor.

Is NIFTAS 50 TABLET safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Pregnancy: NIFTAS 50 TABLET can be used during pregnancy if prescribed by your doctor, but it is generally not recommended during labor or delivery as there is a possibility it could affect the baby's blood. Breastfeeding: It should be used with caution during breastfeeding because nitrofurantoin is excreted in breast milk. It is advisable to consult your doctor, who may recommend discontinuing breastfeeding or the medicine after assessing the benefits and risks.

Can NIFTAS 50 TABLET be taken with other medications?

NIFTAS 50 TABLET can interact with certain medications. Inform your doctor about all medicines, supplements, and herbal products you are currently taking. Specific interactions can occur with antacids containing magnesium trisilicate, medications for gout such as probenecid and sulfinpyrazone, and some carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.

What precautions should be taken while taking NIFTAS 50 TABLET?

Take NIFTAS 50 TABLET with food or milk to reduce nausea and improve absorption. It's essential to complete the entire course of medication as prescribed to prevent the infection from returning or becoming drug-resistant. Exercise caution if you have pre-existing conditions like kidney or liver problems, G6PD deficiency, anemia, diabetes, or lung disease. Avoid consuming alcohol, as it can lead to adverse reactions like flushing and an increased heart rate. You should also avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if you experience dizziness or drowsiness.

What happens if a dose of NIFTAS 50 TABLET is missed?

If you miss a dose of NIFTAS 50 TABLET, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the forgotten one.

How should NIFTAS 50 TABLET be stored?

NIFTAS 50 TABLET should be stored in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep it out of sight and reach of children. The recommended storage temperature is typically below 25°C or 30°C.