0

Home > Drug Category > Urinary > Macrodantin and Equivalent

Macrodantin Information

Macrodantin (Nitrofurantoin) is used to treat and prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by bacteria. A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Macrodantin helps to relieve symptoms like burning or pain when urinating, frequent or urgent need to urinate, and lower abdominal pain or pressure. Some people who get frequent bladder infections may take Macrodantin in low doses for long periods to prevent new infections.

Antibiotics like Nitrofurantoin work by damaging bacteria's genetic material (DNA), inhibiting their growth, and killing them. Nitrofurantoin will only work for a UTI. It does not work for infections outside the urinary tract.

Macrodantin Side Effects

The most common side effects of Macrodantin may include appetite loss, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, and stomach upset. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects, such as:
• Severe diarrhea, or diarrhea that is bloody (a potential sign of Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea or CDAD);
• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, breathing difficulties, itching, or swelling of the face, tongue, or throat;
• Signs of liver problems, such as yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, unusual tiredness, and abdominal pain

Macrodantin Precautions

Do not use Macrodantin if you are allergic to Nitrofurantoin or other ingredients in this medication. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, including if you have anemia, diabetes, liver disease, lung problems, severe kidney problems, think you may be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant, are breastfeeding, or plan to breastfeed. Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be a drug interaction between Macrodantin and other medications, such as probenecid, other antibiotics, antacids containing magnesium, acetaminophen, amiodarone, chloramphenicol, etc. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant. Macrodantin can be safely used in early pregnancy to treat or prevent UTIs. However, avoid Nitrofurantoin from 38 weeks of pregnancy through delivery. Using this medicine during this period can cause hemolytic anemia, especially in babies with a G6PD deficiency. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding if you are using this medicine. Only small amounts of Nitrofurantoin pass into breast milk and are not expected to harm a nursing infant. However, do not take this medicine when breastfeeding if the baby is less than 1 month old or has a G6PD deficiency. The safety and effectiveness of Macrodantin in children younger than 1 month old have not been established.

Use your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Macrodantin comes as tablets. Swallow the tablets whole with water. Do not crush, chew, or break it, as this can affect how the drug is absorbed and increase the risk of side effects. This medicine is usually taken 4 times a day (every 6 hours). For long-term UTI prevention, some people take Macrodantin once daily at bedtime. Always follow your doctor's instructions. Don't change the dose on your own. Take this medicine with food or milk to help your body absorb it better. Store Macrodantin at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep all medicines out of reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Macrodantin?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Macrodantin.