May 12, 2010
Review Macrobid
Categories: Antibiotics, review med

Treats urinary tract infections caused by bacteria. Macrobid is
an antibiotic.
Brand Name(s): Macrobid,Nitrofurantoin Monohydrate, Nitrofurantoin, Macrocrystals.
There may be other brand names for this medicine.
When Macrobid Should Not Be Used:
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to
nitrofurantoin or if you are in your last weeks of pregnancy (week 38 or
later). You should not use this medicine if you have severe kidney disease,
if you are unable to urinate, or if you have a decreased amount of urine. Do
not use this medicine if you have a history of liver disease with
nitrofurantoin.
How to Use Macrobid:
Capsule
- Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how
often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor
tells you to. - It is best to take this medicine with food or milk.
- Keep using this medicine for the full treatment time, even if you
feel better after the first few doses. Your infection may not clear up
if you stop using the medicine too soon.
If a dose is missed:
- If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as
you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use
the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make
up for a missed dose.
How to Store and Dispose of Macrobid:
- Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away
from heat, moisture, and direct light. - Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way
to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your
treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the
expiration date has passed. - Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine
with anyone.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including
over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
- Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using probenecid (Benemid®)
or sulfinpyrazone (Anturane®). - It is best not to use antacids containing magnesium trisilicate
(such as Foamicon® or Gaviscon®) while you are using nitrofurantoin.
Warnings While Using Macrobid:
- Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or
if you have liver disease, heart disease, lung disease, anemia,
diabetes, a mineral imbalance in the blood, or vitamin B deficiency.
Make sure your doctor knows if you have a condition called
G6PD-deficiency. - This medicine may cause your urine to be a brown color. This is
normal and will not affect how the medicine works. - If you have severe diarrhea, ask your doctor before taking any
medicine to stop the diarrhea. - Use this medicine only to treat the infection you now have.
This medicine will not work for colds, flu, or other virus infections.
Possible Side Effects While Using Macrobid:
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
- Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands,
swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble
breathing. - Blisters, peeling, or red skin rash.
- Cough, fever, chills, weakness, shortness of breath, or chest pain.
- Dark-colored urine or pale stools.
- Diarrhea or loose, watery stools that may contain blood.
- Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or pain in your upper stomach.
- Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or
feet. - Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
- Dizziness, headache, or blurred vision.
- Hair loss.
- Mild nausea, vomiting, constipation, stomach upset, or pain.
- Vaginal itching or fluids.
