This article describes nitrofurantoin oral capsule’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for nitrofurantoin. If you want to know more about nitrofurantoin oral capsule, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.
Nitrofurantoin oral capsule is a generic version of the brand-name drugs Macrobid and Macrodantin. Nitrofurantoin also comes in another form taken by mouth, but that form isn’t described in this article. To learn more about that form, talk with your doctor.
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Forms and strengths of nitrofurantoin
Nitrofurantoin oral capsule comes in these forms and strengths in milligrams (mg):
| Form | How to take | Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| oral capsule (macrocrystals) | take by swallowing | • 25 mg • 50 mg • 100 mg |
| oral capsule (monohydrate/macrocrystals) | take by swallowing | • 100 mg (75 mg nitrofurantoin monohydrate/25 mg nitrofurantoin macrocrystals) |
One dosage form of nitrofurantoin oral capsule contains nitrofurantoin macrocrystals. This is the generic version of the brand-name drug Macrodantin.
The other dosage form of nitrofurantoin oral capsule contains nitrofurantoin monohydrate and nitrofurantoin macrocrystals. This is the generic version of the brand-name drug Macrobid. This dosage form acts as an extended-release capsule. “Extended release” means the drug is slowly released into your body over a period of time.
Dosage of nitrofurantoin
This article describes the recommended dosages for nitrofurantoin 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 nitrofurantoin oral capsule without your doctor’s recommendation.
Usual recommended dosages of nitrofurantoin in adults
Nitrofurantoin oral capsule is used to treat or prevent urinary tract infection (UTI) caused by certain bacteria.
Dosage for treating UTI in adults
For treating UTI in adults, the recommended dosage of nitrofurantoin oral capsule depends on which form you’re prescribed.
The recommended dosage of nitrofurantoin oral capsule macrocrystals (that is, the generic version of Macrodantin) is 50–100 mg four times per day.
The recommended dosage of nitrofurantoin oral capsule monohydrate/macrocrystals (that is, the generic version of Macrobid) is 100 mg every 12 hours.
The number of days you’ll need to take nitrofurantoin oral capsule depends on several factors, such as the form prescribed and the severity of your UTI. The usual duration of treatment is 5–7 days.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about your dosage.
Dosage for preventing UTI in adults
Nitrofurantoin oral capsule macrocrystals (that is, the generic version of Macrodantin) may be prescribed to prevent UTIs. For this purpose, the recommended dose is 50–100 mg taken at bedtime.
Long-term use of this medication may increase the risk of side effects. Talk with your doctor to determine how long you should take nitrofurantoin.
Dosages of nitrofurantoin in children
Dosage for treating UTI in children
The table below shows the recommended dosages of nitrofurantoin oral capsule for treating UTI in children. In younger children, the dosage is based on the child’s body weight in kilograms (kg). For reference, 1 kg is equal to about 2.2 pounds (lb).
| Form | Age | Recommended dosage |
|---|---|---|
| oral capsule (macrocrystals) | 1 month of age and older | 5–7 mg per kg of body weight every 24 hours, given in four divided doses |
| oral capsule (monohydrate/macrocrystals) | age 12 years and older | 100 mg every 12 hours |
The number of days the child will need to take nitrofurantoin oral capsule depends on several factors, such as the form prescribed and the severity of the UTI. The usual duration is 5–14 days.
Talk with your child’s doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about the dosage of nitrofurantoin oral capsule.
Dosage for preventing UTI in children
Nitrofurantoin oral capsule macrocrystals (that is, the generic version of Macrodantin) is approved to prevent UTIs in children. For this purpose, the recommended dose is 1 mg per kg of body weight. This may be given once daily or divided into equal doses given twice daily.
Long-term use of this medication may increase the risk of side effects. Talk with your child’s doctor to determine how long they should take nitrofurantoin.
Dosage adjustments for nitrofurantoin
Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of nitrofurantoin oral capsule based on several factors. These include:
- the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
- your age
- other health conditions you may have
- duration of treatment
Missed dose of nitrofurantoin
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of nitrofurantoin 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 nitrofurantoin oral capsules 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 nitrofurantoin oral capsules and its dosage.
Is the dosage of nitrofurantoin for females the same as the dosage for males?
Yes, the recommended dosage of nitrofurantoin oral capsule is the same for females and males. The dosage and treatment schedule varies depending on the form of the drug your doctor prescribes.
But doctors may prescribe a different antibiotic to treat UTIs in males. This is because nitrofurantoin is mainly prescribed to treat uncomplicated (simple) UTIs. And UTIs in males are usually considered complicated UTIs. Your doctor can tell you more about this.
For more information on the recommended dosages of nitrofurantoin oral capsule, see the section above, “Dosage of nitrofurantoin.”
Note: 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.
Do older adults need to take a lower dosage of nitrofurantoin?
There isn’t a recommended lower dosage of nitrofurantoin oral capsule for older adults. But nitrofurantoin isn’t a first-choice treatment for older adults. This is because the risk of side effects may be higher in older adults. If you’re an older adult, your doctor will likely prescribe a different medication to treat or help prevent UTIs. If they do prescribe nitrofurantoin for you, they’ll likely recommend short-term treatment only.
Is nitrofurantoin taken long term?
Not usually. To treat a UTI, doctors typically prescribe nitrofurantoin oral capsules as a short-term treatment.
Less commonly, doctors prescribe nitrofurantoin oral capsule macrocrystals (that is, the generic version of Macrodantin) long term to prevent UTIs.
Long-term use of this medication may increase the risk of side effects. Talk with your doctor to determine how long you should take nitrofurantoin.
How nitrofurantoin is taken
You’ll swallow nitrofurantoin oral capsules one to four times per day depending on the reason you’re taking the drug and the form that you’re prescribed. It should be taken with food.
Avoid taking antacids that contain magnesium while taking nitrofurantoin oral capsule. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about other possible drug interactions.
Your doctor may advise that you take your doses of this medication around the same times each day. This helps keep a consistent amount of the drug in your body. And that can help the drug work more effectively.
Swallow nitrofurantoin oral capsules whole. Do not split, chew, or crush the capsule. 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. Nitrofurantoin also comes in another form taken by mouth, but that form isn’t described in this article. To learn more about that form, talk with your doctor.
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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