Comprehensive Guide: What are the side effects of Utjoy N?

October 9, 2025 •

4 min read

Utjoy N, which contains the antibiotic nitrofurantoin, is commonly prescribed for urinary tract infections (UTIs). However, as with any medication, it is crucial to understand what are the side effects of Utjoy N, which can range from mild gastrointestinal upset to more serious conditions affecting the lungs, liver, or nerves.

Quick Summary

Utjoy N, which contains the antibiotic nitrofurantoin, can cause various side effects, including common issues like nausea and headache, and more serious reactions such as lung, liver, or nerve problems. Taking the medication with food can help mitigate gastrointestinal upset.

Key Points

Common Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, headache, and dizziness are frequently reported.
Serious Side Effects: Rare but severe adverse reactions can include lung problems, liver damage, and nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy).
Long-Term Use Risk: Taking Utjoy N for more than six months increases the risk of serious side effects like chronic lung conditions and peripheral neuropathy.
Take with Food: To minimize gastrointestinal upset, Utjoy N should always be taken with food or milk.
Urine Discoloration: A harmless and temporary side effect is the darkening of urine to a rust-yellow or brownish color.
Avoid in Certain Conditions: Utjoy N is contraindicated in severe kidney disease, late-term pregnancy, infants under one month, and those with G6PD deficiency.
Consult a Doctor: Immediate medical attention is necessary if any signs of serious side effects, such as breathing difficulties, chest pain, or jaundice, occur.

What is Utjoy N and How Does it Work?

Utjoy N is a brand name for a medication used to treat and prevent uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs), including bladder and kidney infections. Its active ingredient is nitrofurantoin, a broad-spectrum antibiotic that works by disrupting the DNA and other essential processes of bacteria within the urinary tract. This makes it effective against a wide variety of bacteria that cause UTIs, such as E. coli. While effective, patients must be aware of its potential side effects.

Common Side Effects

Many people who take Utjoy N may experience some common side effects, which are generally mild and temporary. These often resolve as the body adjusts to the medication. Taking the medication with food or milk can significantly reduce some of these effects.

Gastrointestinal Upset

Nausea and Vomiting: A very common side effect, often reduced by taking the medication with food.
Diarrhea: May occur due to the antibiotic disrupting the natural balance of gut bacteria.
Loss of Appetite (Anorexia): Some users report a decreased desire to eat.
Headache and Dizziness: These neurological effects are also commonly reported.

Other Common Effects

Dark Urine: It is normal for Utjoy N to cause urine to become a dark yellow or brown color. This is harmless and will disappear after the medication is stopped.
Yeast Infection (Thrush): The antibiotic can kill the 'good bacteria' that prevent fungal growth, potentially leading to a yeast infection.

Serious and Long-Term Side Effects

While less common, some side effects are more serious and may require immediate medical attention. The risk of these conditions can increase with long-term use, especially for more than six months.

Lung Problems (Pulmonary Reactions)

Both acute and chronic lung issues can occur. Acute reactions may present with fever, chills, cough, and chest pain, while chronic issues can include pulmonary fibrosis, a potentially fatal scarring of the lungs.

Liver Damage

This can manifest as hepatitis or cholestatic jaundice. Symptoms include nausea, loss of appetite, dark-colored urine, pale stools, and a yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice).

Peripheral Neuropathy

This nerve damage can cause a tingling or numbness in the hands or feet, and in rare cases, can be severe and permanent. This risk is higher in individuals with kidney disease, diabetes, or other chronic debilitating diseases.

Blood Disorders

Serious blood-related issues, such as hemolytic anemia, can occur. This is particularly a risk for individuals with a deficiency in the enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD).

Comparison of Common vs. Serious Side Effects


Feature	Common Side Effects	Serious Side Effects
Incidence	Frequent, affect many users.	Rare, affect a small percentage of users.
Timing	Often occur early in treatment.	Can occur at any time, sometimes after prolonged use.
Management	Often manageable by taking medication with food; symptoms usually resolve on their own.	Require immediate medical attention and discontinuation of the drug.
Examples	Nausea, headache, diarrhea, dizziness.	Lung problems, liver damage, peripheral neuropathy.
Significance	Usually temporary and not life-threatening.	Potentially severe and can lead to permanent damage.

Important Warnings and Precautions

Before starting Utjoy N, inform your doctor about your complete medical history. Certain conditions can increase the risk of adverse reactions.

Contraindications

Severe Kidney Disease: Not recommended for patients with significantly impaired kidney function (eGFR < 45 ml/min) due to the increased risk of toxicity.
Pregnancy (Near Term): Should not be used in the last 2-4 weeks of pregnancy due to the risk of hemolytic anemia in the newborn.
Infants under One Month Old: Contraindicated in this age group for the same reason.
G6PD Deficiency: Patients with this enzyme deficiency are at a higher risk of developing hemolytic anemia.

Drug Interactions

Antacids with Magnesium: Can decrease the absorption and effectiveness of Utjoy N.
Quinolone Antibiotics: Utjoy N can interfere with the activity of some quinolones.

What to Do If You Experience Side Effects

For common gastrointestinal issues, taking Utjoy N with food is often sufficient. However, if you experience any signs of serious side effects, such as a new or worsening cough, chest pain, jaundice, numbness, or tingling, contact your doctor immediately. Do not stop taking the medication prematurely unless advised by a healthcare professional, as this can lead to the infection returning or becoming more resistant to treatment.

Conclusion

Understanding the side effects of Utjoy N is an essential part of responsible medication use. While many side effects are common and manageable, the potential for serious reactions necessitates a vigilant approach. Always discuss any concerns or adverse reactions with your doctor. Being informed helps ensure that the treatment for your UTI is both effective and safe for your specific health needs.

For more detailed information, consult authoritative sources such as the Drugs.com patient tips page for nitrofurantoin, which includes important warnings and risk factors for long-term use.

Frequently Asked Questions

To minimize nausea and other gastrointestinal upset, you should always take Utjoy N with food or a glass of milk.

No, it is a normal and harmless side effect for Utjoy N to cause urine to turn a dark yellow or brown color. This will subside after you stop the medication.

Yes, in rare cases, Utjoy N can cause peripheral neuropathy, which is nerve damage leading to numbness or tingling in the hands or feet. This risk is higher with long-term use and in patients with pre-existing conditions like kidney disease or diabetes.

Individuals with severe kidney disease, a history of liver problems from nitrofurantoin, G6PD deficiency, or those in the last few weeks of pregnancy should not take Utjoy N.

Symptoms of serious lung problems can include fever, chills, chest pain, a persistent cough, or shortness of breath. Seek medical help immediately if these symptoms appear.

Yes, like many antibiotics, Utjoy N can disrupt the balance of natural bacteria in the body, which may lead to a yeast infection.

Most common and mild side effects tend to resolve on their own as your body adjusts to the medication. However, if any side effects are persistent or severe, it is crucial to consult your doctor.