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Medically Approved

Macrobid oral capsule dosage: A detailed guide

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Doctors prescribe Macrobid oral capsule for urinary tract infections (UTIs). You take it by mouth once every 12 hours.
Medically reviewed by Molly Becze, PharmD, BCPS
Updated on

This article describes Macrobid oral capsule’s dosage and strength and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for Macrobid. If you want to know more about Macrobid oral capsule, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.

Macrobid is a brand-name medication that comes as an oral capsule. It’s available in a generic version called nitrofurantoin. This article describes dosages of Macrobid.

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Form and strength of Macrobid

Macrobid oral capsule comes as follows:

  • Form: capsule that you swallow
  • Strength: 100 milligrams (mg)

Dosage of Macrobid

This article describes the recommended dosage for Macrobid oral capsule. The drugmaker provides these dosages.

If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of Macrobid oral capsule without your doctor’s recommendation.

Usual recommended dosage of Macrobid in adults

Macrobid oral capsule is approved to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by certain bacteria in adults.

Dosage for urinary tract infection (UTI)

The recommended dosage of Macrobid oral capsule for UTIs in adults is:

  • Recommended dosage: 100 mg once every 12 hours
  • Treatment length: 5–7 days

Dosage of Macrobid in children

Macrobid oral capsule is approved to treat UTIs in children ages 12 years and older.

The recommended dosage of Macrobid oral capsule for UTIs in children is:

  • Recommended dosage: 100 mg once every 12 hours
  • Treatment length: 5–7 days

Dosage adjustments for Macrobid

Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of Macrobid oral capsule based on several factors. These include:

  • the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
  • your age
  • your kidney function
  • other health conditions you may have

Missed dose of Macrobid

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of Macrobid oral capsule. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.

For tips on how to plan your doses of Macrobid oral capsule and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:

  • downloading a reminder app on your phone
  • setting an alarm
  • putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table

Frequently asked questions

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Macrobid oral capsule and its dosage.

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How does the dosage of Macrobid for males compare with the dosage for females?

The dosage of Macrobid oral capsule does not differ based on sex. The recommended dosage of Macrobid oral capsule is 100 milligrams (mg) once every 12 hours for females* and males.* But, sometimes, a longer treatment period (the number of days you take Macrobid) may be needed for males than for females. Your doctor will decide what’s best for you.

If you have more questions about this, talk with your doctor.

* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. In this article, we use the terms “male” and “female” to refer to a person’s sex assigned at birth.

Is Macrobid taken long term?

Not usually. Macrobid is typically recommended for short-term use. But, in certain cases, Macrobid may be taken once daily over the long term to prevent urinary tract infection (UTI) in people who experience reoccurring UTIs.

If you have questions about how long you should take Macrobid oral capsule, talk with your doctor.

How Macrobid is taken

You’ll swallow Macrobid oral capsule once every 12 hours. The drug works best if taken with food. Taking Macrobid with food may also lower the risk of stomach upset.

Your doctor may advise that you take this medication around the same time each day. This helps keep a consistent amount of the drug in your body. And that can help the drug work more effectively.

The drugmaker hasn’t specified whether you can open or chew the capsules. Swallow the capsules whole. If it’s hard for you to swallow capsules, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.

Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.

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Overdose of Macrobid

It’s important that you do not take more Macrobid oral capsule than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.

Symptoms of Macrobid overdose

Symptoms of an overdose can include:

  • vomiting

What to do if you take too much Macrobid

If you think you’ve taken too much Macrobid, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

What to ask your doctor

This article describes the usual recommended dosage for Macrobid oral capsule. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.

Do not change your dosage of Macrobid oral capsule without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take Macrobid oral capsule exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

  • Will my dosage of Macrobid oral capsule change if I take other drugs with it?
  • Will a higher dosage of Macrobid oral capsule raise my risk of side effects?
  • What should I do if I still have UTI symptoms after finishing treatment?

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

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