This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Nitrofurantoin MONO-MACRO – 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 Nitrofurantoin MONO-MACRO
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.
