Nitrofurantoin Mono, Nitrofurantoin Mono Mac
Generic Macrobid
Nitrofurantoin is a generic medication prescribed for urinary tract infections (UTIs) in adults and certain children. Nitrofurantoin belongs to a group of drugs called antibiotics.
Nitrofurantoin is a generic medication prescribed for urinary tract infections (UTIs) in adults and certain children. Nitrofurantoin belongs to a group of drugs called antibiotics.
- Generic
- • Capsule
- • 100mg
- • 14 Capsules
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Introduction
Written by Sarah Lewis, PharmD
Medically reviewed by Dena Westphalen, PharmD
Updated on June 29, 2023
This article describes nitrofurantoin’s uses, side effects, and more. You’ll also find some coupon options to help save on the cost of nitrofurantoin.
This article doesn’t provide coupons for all forms of nitrofurantoin. To find coupons for nitrofurantoin oral suspension (a type of liquid mixture), see this article.
Side effects of nitrofurantoin
Nitrofurantoin may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of nitrofurantoin and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.
To learn more about nitrofurantoin’s side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to the prescribing information for nitrofurantoin listed in the “Article resources” section.
Mild side effects
More common mild side effects reported with some forms of nitrofurantoin are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of nitrofurantoin you take.
This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about nitrofurantoin’s side effects based on the form, refer to the prescribing information for nitrofurantoin listed in the “Article resources” section.
With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.
Nitrofurantoin oral capsule’s mild side effects include:
Mild side effects of nitrofurantoin oral suspension (a type of liquid mixture) include:
- appetite loss
- abdominal pain
- diarrhea
- nausea or vomiting
- mild allergic reaction*
* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for nitrofurantoin” section.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects of nitrofurantoin are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of nitrofurantoin you take.
This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about nitrofurantoin’s side effects based on the form, refer to the prescribing information for nitrofurantoin listed in the “Article resources” section.
With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.
In general, nitrofurantoin’s serious side effects include:
- diarrhea that’s caused by Clostridioides difficile (watery or bloody diarrhea caused by bacteria)
- liver damage
- lung problems
- nerve damage
- inflammation of the pancreas
- red blood cell damage, which can lead to anemia
- severe allergic reaction*
* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for nitrofurantoin” section.
Uses of nitrofurantoin
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as nitrofurantoin for certain conditions. Approved uses for nitrofurantoin are described below.
Use for urinary tract infection
Doctors may prescribe nitrofurantoin oral capsule or oral suspension (a type of liquid mixture) for treating urinary tract infections (UTIs). It’s prescribed for UTIs in adults and certain children. It’s usually prescribed as a short-term treatment.
Doctors may prescribe the oral capsule to adults and children ages 12 years and older. They may prescribe the oral suspension to adults and children ages 1 month and older.
With UTIs, bacteria enter your urethra (the tube that carries urine out of your body) and cause an infection. Common symptoms include:
- burning or pain when urinating
- frequent or urgent need to urinate
- urine that is cloudy or is bloody or pink
Doctors may not prescribe nitrofurantoin in certain situations, such as for people with liver or kidney disease.
Interactions and warnings for nitrofurantoin
Below, you’ll find information about nitrofurantoin’s possible interactions and warnings.
Interactions of nitrofurantoin
Certain things may affect how a drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.
Before you take nitrofurantoin, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:
- prescription or over-the-counter drugs
- vitamins, herbs, or supplements
To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for nitrofurantoin” section below.
Warnings for nitrofurantoin
Some people should not take nitrofurantoin, and others should take it cautiously.
Nitrofurantoin could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether nitrofurantoin is a safe option for you.
Ask your doctor about specific warnings for nitrofurantoin, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:
- current health, including any allergies to medications
- past health conditions or surgeries
Allergic reaction
Nitrofurantoin can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.
If you’ve had an allergic reaction to nitrofurantoin or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe nitrofurantoin. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.
A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
- severe skin rashes that may blister and peel
- swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
- swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems
If you have an allergic reaction to nitrofurantoin, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.
Overdose of nitrofurantoin
If you take nitrofurantoin by mouth, you should not take more nitrofurantoin than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to harmful effects or overdose.
If you think you’ve taken too much nitrofurantoin, 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 concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding and nitrofurantoin
Information about nitrofurantoin and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.
Nitrofurantoin and pregnancy
It’s not known whether nitrofurantoin should be taken during the first 37 weeks of pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.
Nitrofurantoin should not be taken after week 37 of pregnancy, when labor is about to happen, or during labor or delivery. Doing so can cause red blood cell problems in newborns.
Nitrofurantoin and breastfeeding
Nitrofurantoin should not be taken while breastfeeding a child younger than 1 month. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication. Your doctor may recommend other ways to feed your child during treatment with nitrofurantoin.
Common questions about nitrofurantoin
Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about nitrofurantoin.
Can nitrofurantoin be taken for kidney infection?
No, nitrofurantoin cannot be taken for kidney infections. The drug doesn’t reach a high enough level in your kidneys to fight an infection. It’s only approved to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Other antibiotics are available that may be prescribed to treat kidney infections. Talk with your doctor to learn more about these medications.
How does nitrofurantoin work? And how long does it take to start working?
Nitrofurantoin works by stopping bacteria from reproducing. This helps your body kill the bacteria and get rid of the UTI.
The drug starts working soon after you begin taking it. But it may take a couple of days for your symptoms to clear up. It’s important to finish the entire course of nitrofurantoin, even if you feel better. This helps make sure the UTI doesn’t come back. An infection that returns may be harder to treat.
If you’d like to know more about this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes nitrofurantoin’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more. Let your doctor know if you have questions about nitrofurantoin or would like more details about it .
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- How does nitrofurantoin compare with other antibiotics for similar purposes?
- How should I take nitrofurantoin?
- Is there anything I need to avoid while taking nitrofurantoin?
Article resources
- Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm
- Nitrofurantoin capsules, USP (macrocrystals) 50 mg. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/158e08ff-9b6d-4d60-a218-74dc289cf023/spl-doc
- Nitrofurantoin capsules, USP (monohydrate/macrocrystals), 100 mg. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/393219f6-580c-4fc5-87c8-c8506380da7b/spl-doc
- Nitrofurantoin oral suspension, USP. (2022). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/e9d10eaa-cf9c-469e-82ef-5af7285f2c86/spl-doc
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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