GENERIC NAME: NITROFURANTOIN/NITROFURANTOIN MACROCRYSTALS - ORAL (NYE-trow-fyour-AN-toe-in)

BRAND NAME(S): Macrobid

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic used to treat urinary tract infections.

HOW TO USE: Take with food or milk twice daily or as directed by your doctor. Swallow whole for maximum effect. Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Do this by taking the medication at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night. 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 resulting in a relapse of the infection.

SIDE EFFECTS: May cause stomach upset, diarrhea, loss of appetite, nausea, dizziness and headache during the first few days as your body adjusts to the medication. If these symptoms persist or become severe, inform your doctor. May cause urine to turn yellow-brown in color. This is not a cause for concern and will disappear when the drug is stopped. Inform your doctor if you develop: unusual weakness, tingling of the hands or feet, chills, muscle aches, cough, yellowing of the eyes or skin. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, fever, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking nitrofurantoin/nitrofurantoin macrocrystals, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: severe kidney disease. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney or liver problems, lung diseases, nerve disorders (peripheral neuropathy, anemia, diabetes, eye problems (optic neuritis). Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in a secondary infection (e.g., oral, bladder or vaginal yeast infection). Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially the lung or liver problems. Avoid use of this drug in infants less than 1 month old. This drug should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Avoid use at term (38 to 42 weeks of pregnancy) and during labor and delivery. This drug passes into breast milk. Breast-feeding while using nitrofurantion is not recommended. Consult your doctor.