What information should the nurse provide to a client starting nitrofurantoin for a urinary tract infection?

When advising a client who is starting nitrofurantoin for a urinary tract infection, it's important to note that taking the medication with meals can indeed help decrease gastrointestinal upset. Nitrofurantoin can cause side effects such as nausea and abdominal discomfort, and consuming it with food can enhance its absorption and mitigate these undesirable effects. This is especially relevant because the gastrointestinal side effects are common, and taking the medication with food can make it easier for the patient to adhere to the prescribed treatment regimen.

The recommendation to take nitrofurantoin on an empty stomach may lead to increased gastrointestinal irritation and is generally not advised for patient comfort. While taking it before bed could be suitable in some circumstances, it does not provide the same benefit as taking it with meals and may lead to missed doses. Additionally, while dairy products can interact with certain antibiotics, it is not a primary concern with nitrofurantoin; therefore, the focus should be more on taking it with meals to enhance tolerance and effectiveness. This understanding ensures the patient can manage their medication intake more comfortably and effectively.