MACROBID (NITROFURANTOIN)

Macrobid is an Oral Antibiotic Rx

The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

Macrobid (Nitrofurantoin)is an antibiotic medication prescribed to fight certain infections in the body caused by susceptible strains of bacteria called Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus saprophyticus that usually are to blame for acute and uncomplicated urinary tract infections.

If your doctor strongly suspects your infection is caused by bacteria and not a fungal infection, you may be asked to start taking Macrobid until test results are complete to reveal the cause. Should it turn out to be bacterial, you will continue taking Macrobid as directed. If your infection is not bacterial, you will be asked to stop taking Macrobid and treat the symptoms with an antifungal drug as recommended by your doctor.

How Macrobid Works in Your Body

Nitrofurantoin is the active ingredient of Macrobid and it works by interfering with the ability of the bacteria to synthesize protein. Without this protein, bacterial DNA is broken down and cell walls become unstable. This will eventually lead to the death of the bacteria. It works well against an assortment of bacteria so it is a great choice for an infection of unknown bacteria.

Conditions Treated by Macrobid

Urinary Tract Infections tend to develop when harmful bacteria enter the usually-sterile urinary tract and will cause uncomfortable symptoms like burning, itching, and frequent or painful urination. Oftentimes, they will worsen and lead to other complications when left untreated. Macrobid can help treat these infections by killing the harmful bacteria.

Both women and men can contract a UTI, but it is definitely more common for women. This is possibly due to the close proximity of the females’ anal and vaginal area with her urethra, or perhaps because of menopause. As levels of estrogen drop during menopause, there is less of the protective effect it has on the urinary tract. This can make it easier for bacteria to thrive in the vagina or urethra.

Before You Take Macrobid

You should not take this medication if you have severe kidney disease, history of jaundice, or liver disease. Tell your doctor if you have anemia, diabetes, an electrolyte imbalance, G6PD deficiency, and other medical conditions or allergies you have. While the medication is usually safe during pregnancy, it can cause problems during the last month of pregnancy, so ask your doctor about the safety of Macrobid before taking.

Precautions for Macrobid

Until you know how you will react to Macrobid, refrain from any unsafe activities. Be sure to watch for watery or bloody stools during treatment, as these may signal an infection; inform your doctor right away if they develop.

Possible Side Effects of Macrobid

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Stomach upset
• Diarrhea
• Vaginal changes
• Liver problems

If you have any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: chest pain, shortness of breath, unexplained weight loss, nausea, numbness or tingling in the extremities, easy bruising, confusion, sudden weakness, severe, peeling skin rash, or pain behind the eyes.