Nitrofurantoin is prescribed for treating an acute urinary tract infection. What is the recommended dosage for an adult client?

Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic commonly used for the treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infections. The recommended dosage for an adult client typically falls within the range of 50 mg to 100 mg, depending on the formulation and specific medical guidelines. The most common practice for treating an acute urinary tract infection is administering 50 mg every 6 hours, which helps ensure adequate therapeutic levels in the urinary tract to effectively combat the infection.

This dosing schedule aligns with established clinical guidelines that recommend frequent administration to maintain antibiotic efficacy. The importance of regular dosing intervals is particularly vital with nitrofurantoin, as it is concentrated in the urine, where it exerts its antimicrobial effects.

In contrast, the other options list dosages that either do not align with standard treatment protocols or exceed typical recommendations for nitrofurantoin usage, leading to potential safety concerns regarding increased side effects or insufficient therapeutic effect. Therefore, administering 50 mg every 6 hours is the recommended approach for treating an acute urinary tract infection with nitrofurantoin.