Nitrofurantoin as an intracanal medicament: A promising alternative or a passing trend?

• Author Details:   
• Lipika Jain ^*
• Ravi Gupta
• Mrinalini Jaichander
• Deepthi M

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The pursuit of an ideal intracanal medicament remains a central focus in endodontic research and clinical practice. Nitrofurantoin, a synthetic nitrofuran antibiotic primarily used in the treatment of urinary tract infections, has recently gained attention for its potential application in endodontics. This article explores the rationale for using nitrofurantoin as an intracanal medicament and evaluates the current evidence supporting its antimicrobial efficacy. Preliminary in vitro studies demonstrate promising results, particularly against resistant endodontic pathogens such as Enterococcus faecalis. However, despite these encouraging findings, in vivo and clinical data remain scarce. Additionally, concerns related to antibiotic resistance, potential allergenicity, and regulatory considerations must be addressed before its widespread clinical adoption. As endodontic practice increasingly embraces evidence-based and patient-centered approaches, the integration of nitrofurantoin into intracanal protocols must be supported by comprehensive clinical trials and standardized guidelines. This article highlights the need for further investigation to determine whether nitrofurantoin represents a meaningful advancement in endodontic therapy or merely a passing trend.