Nitrofurantoin



Furadantin®; Macrobid®; Macrodantin®







Nitrofurantoin

(nye troe fyoor AN toyn)

U.S. Brand Names
Furadantin®; Macrobid®; Macrodantin®
Canadian Brand Names
Apo-Nitrofurantoin®; Macrobid®; Macrodantin®; Novo-Furantoin
Mexican Brand Names
Macrodantina®
Pharmacologic Category
Antibiotic, Miscellaneous
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • Do not give this medicine to an infant younger than 1 month of age, an infant with a fever and a urinary tract infection, or a young child who has kidney problems.
  • If you have an allergy to nitrofurantoin or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you have kidney disease.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to prevent or treat a urinary tract infection.
How does it work?
  • Nitrofurantoin works to injure the bacteria and fight the infection.
How is it best taken?
  • To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
  • Use prescription as directed, even if feeling better.
  • Take this medicine with food.
  • A liquid (suspension) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Shake well before use. Mix liquid (suspension) with water, milk, fruit juice, or infant formula before drinking.
  • Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Do not take antacids within 6 hours of this medicine.
  • Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor).
  • Be careful if you have G6PD deficiency. Anemia may occur.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Headache.
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
  • Change in color of urine to black, brown, or yellow.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • If you are diabetic, this medicine may interfere with Clinitest®. Use another method of urine glucose testing like Clinistix® or Tes-Tape®.
  • Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Chest pain or pressure.
  • Numbness or tingling of hands or feet.
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Chills.
  • Persistent cough.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect from light.
  • Protect capsules from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
  • Do not freeze liquid (suspension).
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: