Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic commonly used to treat urinary tract infections.It has been available as an over-the-counter product since the 1970s and is one of the most widely accessible treatments for UTIs, but getting your hands on it can be tricky.
While some pharmacies carry this treatment, others don’t.
This article will answer your questions about buying nitrofurantoin over the counter, including where you can find it and if it’s worth buying instead of a prescription. Keep reading to learn more.
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What is Nitrofurantoin?
Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic drug used to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs). It works by reducing the amount of bacteria in your body, thereby limiting the growth of a UTI. It is only available by prescription in the United States, but is available over-the-counter in some other countries.
Nitrofurantoin can be used to treat UTIs caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli), Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Proteus mirabilis. It is also commonly used for a type of infection called cystitis. Cystitis is often recurrent, meaning that it happens again and again.
Cystitis is inflammation of the bladder that can be caused by bacterial or non-bacterial infections. The most common cause of cystitis is E. coli. Nitrofurantoin is effective in treating cystitis caused by these bacteria, but not non-bacterial cystitis.
How Does it Work?
Nitrofurantoin works by killing the bacteria in your body that are causing your UTI. It is an antibiotic that stops bacterial growth in your bladder, urethra, and kidneys. This includes E. coli, which is the most common cause of UTIs. E. coli often lives in your digestive tract, but sometimes it can enter your urinary tract. When it does, it can cause a UTI.
Nitrofurantoin is not absorbed well into your bloodstream, so it stays in your urinary tract and bladder. That’s why it is good for UTIs in these areas of your body. It can help decrease symptoms of a UTI such as burning and urgency. It can also help prevent a UTI from getting worse and leading to kidney damage.
Can You Buy Nitrofurantoin Over the Counter?
Some pharmacies do sell nitrofurantoin over the counter. If you have a UTI and your doctor has prescribed you nitrofurantoin, you should be able to buy it without a prescription. However, if you would prefer to get a prescription and see your doctor, you should also be able to do this.
There are many conditions that may qualify you for an over-the-counter prescription. It is up to your doctor if they will recommend this. If you have had a UTI in the past and have been treated with antibiotics, you might be able to get nitrofurantoin without a prescription. Some doctors may even write a prescription for you to fill at a pharmacy that sells OTC medication.
Where to Buy Nitrofurantoin?
There are many places where you can buy nitrofurantoin. Most drugstores, supermarkets, and convenience stores carry it. There are also online pharmacies that sell this treatment. When you buy nitrofurantoin, make sure it is the right version for your age range and type of infection.
Some pharmacies may require you to show ID before they sell you nitrofurantoin. This is because pharmacies have different policies and rules. For example, CVS requires that you be at least 16 years old to make a purchase.
Most supermarkets and drugstores have similar policies.
It is important to make sure that you are getting the correct version of nitrofurantoin for your age and the type of infection you have. Nitrofurantoin comes in various forms, such as capsules, chewables, and liquids. Be sure to read labels carefully.
Pros of Buying Nitrofurantoin Over the Counter
- Convenience – It’s easy to find and purchase OTC medication at a pharmacy. You can also buy it online and have it delivered to your home.
- No waiting – Getting a prescription filled can take time, especially if you have a busy schedule. If you buy nitrofurantoin OTC, you can get it right away.
- No co-pay – If you have health insurance, you may have to pay a co-pay when you get a prescription at a pharmacy. If you buy it OTC, you won’t have to pay anything.
- No doctor visit – If you don’t have insurance or can’t see your doctor, it can be difficult to get a prescription. If you buy nitrofurantoin OTC, you don’t need to go to a doctor.
- Easier for kids and teens – Getting a prescription for a child or teenager is a big deal. If your child has a UTI, it can be stressful to deal with doctors’ visits and paperwork. If you can buy it OTC, it is a lot easier.
Cons of Buying Nitrofurantoin Over the Counter
- No medical guidance – If you buy nitrofurantoin OTC, you won’t get any medical guidance. A pharmacist can answer questions, but they are not licensed medical professionals.
- Wrong dose – Nitrofurantoin comes in different dose sizes. If you buy the wrong dose, it won’t be as effective.
- Not enough antibiotic – If you only have a UTI, you may only need to take one dose of nitrofurantoin. However, OTC medication is often only sold in one-day or three-day doses. If you have a more serious UTI, you may need to take it for longer.
Final Words
Nitrofurantoin is an effective treatment for UTIs. The best way to treat a UTI is to get antibiotics as soon as possible. When you get a prescription for nitrofurantoin, the doctor is usually careful about the dosage you receive. If you buy it OTC, you won’t receive any medical guidance.
If you get a UTI, it’s important to treat it as soon as possible to prevent it from worsening. This can help you avoid long-term complications and serious health issues. If you think you have a UTI, visit your doctor as soon as you can. If your doctor prescribes you nitrofurantoin, you can fill a prescription or buy it OTC.
