Nitrofurantoin drug class?

See the DrugPatentWatch profile for Nitrofurantoin

What drug class is nitrofurantoin?

Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic in the nitrofuran class. It’s used for treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs), including uncomplicated cystitis.

What does “nitrofuran” mean for how it’s used?

As a nitrofuran antibiotic, nitrofurantoin is primarily used for urinary infections because it concentrates in the urinary tract, which supports its role in treating bladder infections rather than many systemic bacterial infections.

Is nitrofurantoin a penicillin, sulfa, or fluoroquinolone?

No. Nitrofurantoin is not a penicillin, sulfonamide, or fluoroquinolone. It belongs to the nitrofuran antibiotic class, which is distinct from those other common UTI antibiotic categories.