What is Macrobid?
Macrobid can be described as an antibiotic that fights the growth of bacteria within the body. Macrobid is a treatment for urinary tract infections. Macrobid can also be used to treat conditions not covered in this medication guide.
Warnings
It is best not to use Macrobid when you suffer from an extreme kidney condition, urinary problems, or a history of jaundice or liver problems triggered by nitrofurantoin. Don't take Macrobid if you are in the final two to four weeks of your pregnancy.
Before you take this drug
Do not use Macrobid if you have an allergy to nitrofurantoin. Also, you suffer from:
- Chronic kidney illness.
- An occurrence of jaundice or liver issues due to taking nitrofurantoin.
- If you're urinating less than usual or infrequently.
- If your pregnancy is in the final two to four weeks of your pregnancy.
Don't take Macrobid when you are in the final two to four weeks of your pregnancy. To ensure that Macrobid is suitable for you, inform your doctor if:
- kidney disease.
- Anemia.
- Diabetes.
- An imbalance of electrolytes, an electrolyte imbalance, or a vitamin B deficiency.
- Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency.
- Any debilitating condition of any kind.
FDA pregnancy category B macrobid is not expected to harm the unborn baby in the early stages of pregnancy. Discuss with your doctor if you are expecting or planning to become pregnant while you are receiving treatment.
Nitrofurantoin may be absorbed through breastmilk and harm a nursing child. Do not breastfeed when you take Macrobid. Macrobid should never be given to children younger than one month old.
How to take Macrobid?
Use Macrobid as directed by your physician. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Don't take this medicine in greater or lesser doses or for longer than the recommended time. Take Macrobid along with food. Mix the suspension (liquid) thoroughly before measuring a dose. Take measurements of liquid medication using the syringe for dosing or with a dosing spoon or medicine cup. If you do not own an instrument for measuring doses, request one from your pharmacist. It is possible to mix your liquid with milk, water, or the juice of a fruit to help you swallow it. Take the whole mixture now. Make sure to take this medication for the entire prescribed duration. Your symptoms may worsen before the infection is completely eliminated. The absence of doses can increase the risk of a subsequent illness that is not able to be treated with antibiotics. Macrobid cannot treat viral infections like the common flu or cold. Macrobid is typically prescribed for five days in females and seven days in males with an uncomplicated UTI. If you are taking this medication long-term to prevent UTIs, you may require regular medical examinations at the doctor's office. Macrobid may cause unexpected results when testing certain laboratory tests for glucose (sugar) in urine. Be sure to inform any doctor treating you that you're taking Macrobid. Keep at room temperature, free of heat, moisture, and light.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Do the dose you missed as soon as you can remember. Avoid your missed dose if it's nearing the time for the next dose. Do not take any additional medicine to make up for the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact the Poison Help line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.
What should be avoided?
Diarrhea can be caused by antibiotics, which could be an indication of a new infection. If you experience diarrhea that is watery or contains blood, contact your doctor. Don't take any medication to stop diarrhea unless you have consulted your physician, who has advised you to. Do not use antacids without a physician's guidance. Make sure you use only the type of antacid recommended by your physician. Certain antacids may hinder your body's ability to absorb nitrofurantoin.
Side effects of Macrobid
Contact a medical professional immediately. If you notice any of the following symptoms as warning signs of an allergic reaction to Macrobid, such as difficulty breathing or swelling of your lips, face, and tongue.
See your doctor right away. If you suffer from:
- Diarrhea that is either watery or bloody.
- Suddenly experiencing tension, chest pain, wheezing, or hacking.
- New or worsening cough; difficulty breathing.
- Chills, fever, tiredness, and body aches mysterious weight loss.
- Numbness, tingling, or a tingling sensation in your feet or hands.
- Liver issues—nausea, stomach discomfort, itching, fatigue, a loss of appetite, dark urine, stools that are clay-colored or jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin).
- Lupus-like Syndrome: joint swelling or pain that is accompanied by swelling of glands, fever, muscle pains, chest pains, vomiting, strange thoughts or behaviors, and skin patches that are uneven in color.
The risk of serious side effects is higher in older patients or those who are debilitated or have a debilitating condition.
The most common macrobid-related side effects could include:
- Headache, dizziness.
- Gas, stomach upset.
- Mild diarrhea mild diarrhea.
- Vaginal itching or discharge.
This isn't a complete list of possible side effects, and others could happen. Consult your physician for advice regarding medical effects. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Cystitis:
Regular release: 50–100 mg taken orally four times per day for a week or until three days following the day that the sterility of urine is established.
Dual-release 100 mg, taken daily, orally, for 7 days.
Usual Adult Dose for Cystitis Prophylaxis:
Regular release: 50–100 mg taken orally daily at night.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Cystitis:
Regular release: 1 month and older 1 month and older: up to 5 mg/kg/day (up to 400 mg/day) orally, in 4 divided doses.
Dual release: Over 12 years, 100 mg taken orally every day, twice per day for 7 days.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Cystitis Prophylaxis:
Regular release: 1 month and older 1 month or older: between 1 and 2 mg/kg daily (up to 100 mg) taken orally in 1-to-2 split doses.
Interaction with other drugs
Other drugs can interfere with nitrofurantoin. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines such as vitamins and herbal products. Be sure to inform your healthcare providers about the medicines you take currently and all medicines that you decide to stop or begin taking.
