Abstract

Nitrofurantoin (Furadantin - SKF; N-Fur - Ind. Res. Labs.) is a valuable oral antibacterial agent for many urinary infections. In the United States a preparation for intravenous use is also available. The drug is well absorbed by mouth and is largely excreted in the urine. The concentration in the blood is insignificant, and it is therefore not useful in the treatment of systemic infections. In urinary infections it is active against a wide range of organisms, including many which are resistant to other drugs; for exmaple, E. coli and Klebsiella - Aerobacter as well as some strains of staphylococci. Most strains of Pseudomonas pyocyanea and many strains of Proteus are resistant to it. Sensitive strains develop resistance to nitrofurantoin only to a very limited degree in vitro or in vivo.