What is the Difference Between Nitrofurantoin and Trimethoprim

The main difference between nitrofurantoin and trimethoprim is that nitrofurantoin is important in treating urinary tract infections caused by susceptible bacteria whereas trimethoprim is important in treating bladder and kidney infections caused by specific bacteria.

Nitrofurantoin and trimethoprim are two types of antibacterial agents. Doctors prescribe this medication for urinary tract infections. More importantly, most bacteria that cause infection develop resistance against antibiotics such as trimethoprim; hence, antibacterial agents such as nitrofurantoin become more prominent.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Nitrofurantoin
   • Definition, Characteristics, Importance
2. What is Trimethoprim
   • Definition, Characteristics, Importance
3. Similarities Between Nitrofurantoin and Trimethoprim
   • Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Nitrofurantoin and Trimethoprim
   • Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Nitrofurantoin, Trimethoprim

What is Nitrofurantoin

Nitrofurantoin is an antibacterial medication important in treating urinary tract infections (UTIs). However, it is not effective for kidney infections. Usually, the common side effects of nitrofurantoin are nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and headaches. Furthermore, UTI is a bacterial infection in the urinary tract. The most common infective areas in UTIs are the urethra and bladder in the lower tract.

Figure 1: Nitrofurantoin

In addition, the common symptoms of UTI include cloudy urine, peeing more often than usual during the night (nocturia), lower tummy pain or back pain under the ribs, high temperature, or feeling hot and shivery, blood in urine, and pain or burning sensation while peeing.

What is Trimethoprim

Trimethoprim is an antibiotic important in treating bladder and kidney infections. However, bacteria in the urinary tract infections develop resistance to antibiotics such as trimethoprim; therefore, antibacterial drugs such as nitrofurantoin become prominent in treating urinary system infections in humans.

Figure 2: Trimethoprim

Moreover, the main side effects of trimethoprim are nausea, changes in taste, and rash. Rarely, it may result in blood problems such as not enough platelets or white blood cells. Trimethoprim can also cause sun sensitivity. Trimethoprim blocks folate metabolism in bacteria via dihydrofolate reductase by killing bacteria.

Similarities Between Nitrofurantoin and Trimethoprim

• Nitrofurantoin and trimethoprim are two antibacterial agents used in treating urinary tract infections and bladder infections.
• Doctors prescribe these medications.

Difference Between Nitrofurantoin and Trimethoprim

Definition

Nitrofurantoin refers to a synthetic compound with antibacterial properties used to treat urinary tract infections, while trimethoprim refers to a synthetic antibiotic used to treat malaria and respiratory and urinary infections (usually in conjunction with a sulphonamide).

Type

Usually, nitrofurantoin is a synthetic antibacterial agent, while trimethoprim is an antibiotic.

Chemical Composition

The chemical composition of nitrofurantoin is C₈H₆N₄O₅ while the chemical composition of trimethoprim is C₁₄H₁₈N₄O₃. 

Type of infections

Nitrofurantoin is important in treating urinary tract infections while trimethoprim is important in treating kidney and bladder infections.

Dose

The general dose of nitrofurantoin is 100mg Nitrofurantoin slow-release tablets taken twice a day for 3 days, while the general dose of trimethoprim is 200mg of trimethoprim twice daily for 3 days. However, the actual dosages should be prescribed by doctors.

Side Effects

The side effects of nitrofurantoin are headache, dizziness, vaginal itching or discharge, mild diarrhea, gas, and upset stomach, while the side effects of trimethoprim are vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, rash, itching, and swollen tongue.

Conclusion

In brief, nitrofurantoin and trimethoprim are two types of substances that are important in infections in the urinary system. Nitrofurantoin is important in treating urinary tract infections while trimethoprim is important in treating bladder and kidney infections. On the other hand, nitrofurantoin is an antibacterial agent. Usually, bacteria develop resistance against common antibiotics such as trimethoprim. In addition, the side effects of nitrofurantoin include nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and headaches while the side effects of trimethoprim include nausea, changes in taste, and rash. However, the main difference between nitrofurantoin and trimethoprim is the type of infections they treat.

References:

1. Nitrofurantoin oral: Uses, side effects, interactions, pictures, warnings & dosing. WebMD. Retrieved September 15, 2022.
2. Trimethoprim oral: Uses, side effects, interactions, pictures, warnings & dosing. WebMD. Retrieved September 15, 2022.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Nitrofurantoin” By Vaccinationist – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Trimethoprim” By Fvasconcellos – Own Work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia