This medication may rarely cause very serious (possibly fatal) lung problems. Lung problems may occur within the first month of treatment or after long-term use of nitrofurantoin (generally for 6 months or longer). Get medical help right away if you develop symptoms of lung problems, including: cough that doesn’t go away, chest pain, shortness of breath/trouble breathing, joint/muscle pain, bluish/purplish skin.
Macrobid – Uses, Side Effects, and More
This medication is an antibiotic used to treat bladder infections (acute cystitis). It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (such as common cold, flu). Using any antibiotic when it is not needed can cause it to not work for future infections.This medication should not be used in infants younger than 1 month old (see also Precautions section). This drug should not be used to treat infections outside the bladder (including kidney infections such as pyelonephritis or perinephric abscesses).
How to use Macrobid
Take this medication by mouth with food as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily (every 12 hours). Swallow the medication whole for best results.
Do not use magnesium trisilicate-containing antacids while taking this medication. These antacids can bind with nitrofurantoin, preventing its full absorption into your system.
For the best effect, take this antibiotic at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take this medication at the same time(s) every day.
Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a return of the infection.
Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.
Side Effects
Nausea, headache may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
This medication may cause your urine to turn dark yellow or brown in color. This is usually a harmless, temporary effect and will disappear when the medication is stopped. However, dark brown urine can also be a sign of rare side effects (liver problems or anemia). Get medical help right away if you notice dark urine along with any of the following symptoms: nausea/vomiting that doesn’t stop, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, tiredness, fast/pounding heartbeat.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: headaches that are severe or don’t go away, eye pain, vision changes, mental/mood changes, new signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn’t go away, fever), easy bruising/bleeding.
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: numbness/tingling of the hands/feet, unusual muscle weakness.
This medication may rarely cause very serious (possibly fatal) lung problems. Lung problems may occur within the first month of treatment or after long-term use of nitrofurantoin (generally for 6 months or longer). Get medical help right away if you develop symptoms of lung problems, including: cough that doesn’t go away, chest pain, shortness of breath/trouble breathing, joint/muscle pain, bluish/purplish skin.
This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition due to a bacteria called C. difficile. This condition may occur during treatment or weeks to months after treatment has stopped. Tell your doctor right away if you develop: diarrhea that doesn’t stop, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, blood/mucus in your stool.
If you have these symptoms, do not use anti-diarrhea or opioid products because they may make symptoms worse.
Use of nitrofurantoin for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new vaginal yeast infection. Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge, or other new symptoms.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Macrobid
Medically reviewed by Sanjai Sinha, MD. Last updated on Jun 14, 2021.
What is Macrobid?
Macrobid is an antibiotic that fights bacteria in the body.
Macrobid may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not take Macrobid if you have severe kidney disease, urination problems, or a history of jaundice or liver problems caused by nitrofurantoin.
Do not take Macrobid if you are in the last 2 to 4 weeks of pregnancy.
Before taking this medicine
You should not take Macrobid if you are allergic to nitrofurantoin, or if you have:
- severe kidney disease;
- a history of jaundice or liver problems caused by taking nitrofurantoin;
- if you are urinating less than usual or not at all; or
- if you are in the last 2 to 4 weeks of pregnancy.
Do not take Macrobid if you are in the last 2 to 4 weeks of pregnancy.
To make sure Macrobid is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
- kidney disease;
- anemia;
- diabetes;
- an electrolyte imbalance or vitamin B deficiency;
- glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency; or
- any type of debilitating disease.
FDA pregnancy category B. Macrobid is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby during early pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
Nitrofurantoin can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are taking Macrobid.
Macrobid should not be given to a child younger than 1 month old.
Related/similar drugs
How should I take Macrobid?
Take Macrobid exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Take Macrobid with food.
Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
You may mix your liquid dose with water, milk, or fruit juice to make it easier to swallow. Drink the entire mixture right away.
Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Macrobid will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.
Macrobid is usually given for 5 days in females and 7 days in males for uncomplicated UTI.
If you use this medicine long-term, for prevention of UTI, you may need frequent medical tests at your doctor’s office.
Macrobid can cause unusual results with certain lab tests for glucose (sugar) in the urine. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using Macrobid.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What to avoid
Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.
Avoid using antacids without your doctor’s advice. Use only the type of antacid your doctor recommends. Some antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb nitrofurantoin.
Macrobid side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Macrobid: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
- sudden chest pain or discomfort, wheezing, dry cough or hack;
- new or worsening cough, trouble breathing;
- fever, chills, body aches, tiredness, unexplained weight loss;
- numbness, tingling, or pain in your hands or feet;
- liver problems–nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
- lupus-like syndrome–joint pain or swelling with fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, chest pain, vomiting, unusual thoughts or behavior, and patchy skin color.
Serious side effects may be more likely in older adults and those who are ill or debilitated.
Common Macrobid side effects may include:
- headache, dizziness;
- gas, upset stomach;
- mild diarrhea; or
- vaginal itching or discharge.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Cystitis:
Regular release: 50 to 100 mg orally 4 times a day for 1 week or for at least 3 days after urine sterility is obtained
Dual release: 100 mg orally twice a day for 7 days
Usual Adult Dose for Cystitis Prophylaxis:
Regular release: 50 to 100 mg orally once a day at bedtime
Usual Pediatric Dose for Cystitis:
Regular release:
1 month or older: 5 to 7 mg/kg/day (up to 400 mg/day) orally in 4 divided doses
Dual release:
Greater than 12 years: 100 mg orally twice a day for 7 days
Usual Pediatric Dose for Cystitis Prophylaxis:
Regular release:
1 month or older: 1 to 2 mg/kg/day (up to 100 mg/day) orally in 1 to 2 divided doses
What other drugs will affect Macrobid?
Other drugs may interact with nitrofurantoin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.
Frequently asked questions
- Is meloxicam a sulfa drug?
- Does Macrobid make birth control pills less effective?
- What antibiotics are used to treat UTI?
- What is “dual release” nitrofurantoin?
More about Macrobid (nitrofurantoin)
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