Reduced by bacterial flavoproteins to reactive intermediates that damage DNA, ribosomes, and other macromolecules; concentrated in urine making it effective for lower UTIs
At a glance
Class
Nitrofuran antibiotic
Storage
Store below 25°C, protect from light
Dosing
Lower urinary tract infection
Max dose
200 mg/dose; 600 mg/day
Duration: 7–14 days
Lower urinary tract infection
Max dose
50 mg/dose; 150 mg/day
Duration: 7–14 days
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →Safety
Absolute contraindications — do not use
Hepatic disease
Risk of hepatotoxicity
Adverse effects
Serious
Pulmonary fibrosis (chronic use)
Hepatotoxicity
Peripheral neuropathy
UrinalysisUrine cultureHepatic enzymes with prolonged use
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →Interactions
No documented interactions.
Brands
International
Furadantin
Procter & Gamble
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
›What is Nitrofurantoin?
Nitrofurantoin is a nitrofuran antibiotic used in pets. Reduced by bacterial flavoproteins to reactive intermediates that damage DNA, ribosomes, and other macromolecules; concentrated in urine making it effective for lower UTIs
›What is Nitrofurantoin used for in pets?
Nitrofurantoin is used in veterinary medicine for: Lower urinary tract infection.
›What is the Nitrofurantoin dose for dogs?
For dogs, Nitrofurantoin is typically dosed as follows — Lower urinary tract infection: 4–5 mg/kg PO TID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Nitrofurantoin dose for cats?
For cats, Nitrofurantoin is typically dosed as follows — Lower urinary tract infection: 4–5 mg/kg PO TID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Nitrofurantoin?
Common: Nausea, Vomiting, Anorexia. Serious (call your vet immediately): Pulmonary fibrosis (chronic use), Hepatotoxicity, Peripheral neuropathy.
›Does Nitrofurantoin need a prescription?
Yes. Nitrofurantoin is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
›When should Nitrofurantoin not be used?
Do not use Nitrofurantoin if: Renal insufficiency (GFR < 30); Neonates.
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →References
References
The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.
Textbooks & handbooks — 5
- Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
- Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
- Merck Veterinary Manual
- NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
- Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)
Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
- AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
- ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
- RECOVER CPR Guidelines
Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2
- EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
- JVIM FAT CAT Study
Regulatory & approvals — 1
- CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)
Databases — 1
- Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database