Nitrofurantoin: New Cough or Breathing Trouble Needs Attention
Bladder & Pelvic FloorArticleGet help promptly for respiratory symptoms while taking this prescribed urinary-infection medicine.
If you take nitrofurantoin and develop chest pain or difficulty breathing, get emergency help. NHS1 guidance says to call 999 or go to A&E in the UK. Elsewhere, use your local emergency service. Do not drive yourself.1
Other breathing symptoms need prompt contact
The NHS1 says to tell a doctor or call 111 straight away for a cough, coughing up blood or mucus, shortness of breath, pain when breathing or a high temperature. These can be signs of lung problems. In England, use NHS 111; elsewhere, contact your local urgent-care service.1
Tell the team which medicine you take
Say that you are taking nitrofurantoin, when you started, and which symptoms have appeared. Have your medicine information available, but get help without waiting to assemble complete notes.
Ask the professional to assess the symptoms and explain what to do about your prescription. A clinician needs to assess the cause.1
Laugh, Sneeze, Jump includes an appointment prep sheet. Use it to organize questions for your clinician; urgent care comes first. See the book.
This article is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It isn't a substitute for diagnosis or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional who knows your health history. Please don't ignore professional advice or delay getting care because of something you read here. If you think you may be having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. Girl Playbook does not endorse any specific product, test, or provider.
Girl Playbook sells this book. It provides education and worksheets, not individualized medical care.
Sources
The research behind this article, in the order it’s cited. How we source our articles.
Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we’ll check it.
