Macrobid

Macrobid Drug Information

• Macrobid Overview

  Macrobid is an antibiotic used to treat bladder infections (acute cystitis). It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (such as common cold, flu). Using any antibiotic when it is not needed can cause it to not work for future infections. Macrobid should not be used in infants younger than 1 month old (see also Precautions section). Macrobid should not be used to treat infections outside the bladder (e.g., kidney infections such as pyelonephritis or perinephric abscesses).

• How to Use Macrobid

  Take Macrobid by mouth with food as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily (every 12 hours). Swallow the medication whole for best results. Do not use magnesium trisilicate-containing antacids while taking Macrobid. These antacids can bind with nitrofurantoin, preventing its full absorption into your system. For the best effect, take this antibiotic at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take Macrobid at the same time(s) every day. Continue to take Macrobid until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a return of the infection. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

• Macrobid Precautions

  Before taking nitrofurantoin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. Macrobid may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Macrobid should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine,kidney disease (e.g., little or no urine output), a certain genetic condition (G-6-PD deficiency), a history of liver problems due to nitrofurantoin use in the past. Before using Macrobid, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,liver disease, lung disease, numbness/tingling of the arms/legs, vitamin B deficiency, mineral imbalance, blood disorders (e.g., anemia), diabetes, persistent weakness due to long-term disease, certain eye disorders (e.g., optic neuritis). Kidney function declines as you grow older. Macrobid is removed by the kidneys. Therefore, older adults may be at a greater risk for side effects while using Macrobid, especially nerve, liver or lung problems (see Side Effects section). Macrobid may cause live bacterial vaccines (such as typhoid vaccine) to not work as well. Do not have any immunizations/vaccinations while using Macrobid unless your doctor tells you to. During pregnancy, Macrobid should be used only when clearly needed. It must not be used if you are near the end of your pregnancy (38-42 weeks), or at the time of labor and delivery. Doing so may cause a certain blood disorder (hemolytic anemia) in your baby. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Macrobid passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on nursing infants younger than 1 month old or those with a certain genetic condition (G-6-PD deficiency). Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

• Macrobid Misdose

  If you miss a dose of Macrobid, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

• Macrobid Interactions

  (See also How to Use section). Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first. Before using Macrobid, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use,certain drugs to treat gout (uricosuric drugs such as sulfinpyrazone). Although most antibiotics are unlikely to affect hormonal birth control such as pills, patch, or ring, a few antibiotics (such as rifampin, rifabutin) can decrease their effectiveness. This could result in pregnancy. If you use hormonal birth control, ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Macrobid may interfere with certain laboratory tests (certain urine glucose tests), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use Macrobid. This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using Macrobid, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

• Macrobid Side Effects

  What are Macrobid side effects?

  Side effects are physical, mental or emotional symptoms which occur in addition to or outside of the desired effect of a therapeutic treatment such as an over-the-counter or prescribed drug or medication. Side effects from Macrobid may occur at the beginning or at the end of treatment and may also depend on the length of time an individual remains on the treatment. Side effects, also known as adverse effects, are generally more likely to occur when starting treatment. Individuals may also experience side effects from Macrobid as a result of an interaction with other medications.

  Side Effects of Macrobid

  The side effects of Macrobid may vary in number and intensity for many different reasons. Factors such as age, weight, gender and ethnicity may influence the side effects of Macrobid. Also, an individual’s state of general physical health and seriousness of the disease or illness as well as an increase or decrease in dosage may lead to side effects. Further, side effects from Macrobid may also occur as a result of an interaction with certain herbal supplements, foods or drinks.

  Prescription drug side effects can be serious and may cause patients to stop the treatment. However, when side effects from the use of a prescription drug, such as Macrobid, do occur a patient should consult their physician. A physician may prescribe an additional treatment in order to control the symptoms or an adjustment in the dosage may be made. In addition, changes to diet, exercise or other lifestyle activities may help to lessen the side effects of Macrobid.

  By understanding side effects and the factors which may influence the occurrence of side effects patients are empowered to take an active role in their care. Patients who have specific questions about the side effects of Macrobid, or any other medication, should contact their physician. General information about Macrobid and the side effects associated with Macrobid are described in the following:

  Common Macrobid Side Effects

  Severe

  • interstitial pneumonitis

  Less Severe

  • headache disorder
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • urine discoloration
  • anorexia

  Less Frequent Macrobid Side Effects

  Severe

  • megaloblastic anemia
  • leukopenia
  • granulocytopenic disorder
  • polyneuropathy

  Less Severe

  • flatulence
  • diarrhea
  • Acute Abdominal Pain

  Rare or Very Rare Macrobid Side Effects

  Severe

  • Clostridium difficile infection
  • glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency anemia
  • hemolytic anemia
  • agranulocytosis
  • idiopathic intracranial hypertension
  • peripheral neuropathy
  • optic neuritis
  • pulmonary fibrosis
  • hepatic necrosis
  • methemoglobinemia
  • obstructive hyperbilirubinemia
  • allergic dermatitis
  • pruritus of skin
  • urticaria
  • lupus-like syndrome
  • skin rash
  • Anaphylaxis
  • Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
  • vasculitis
  • hepatitis
  • Pancreatitis
  • sialoadenitis
  • Erythema Multiforme
  • exfoliative dermatitis
  • increased alanine transaminase
  • increased aspartate transaminase
  • thrombocytopenic disorder

  Less Severe

  • dyspepsia
  • constipation
  • drowsy
  • dizziness
  • alopecia
  • fever
  • chills
  • malaise
  • amblyopia
  • general weakness
  • vertigo
  • nystagmus

• Macrobid Storage

  Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard Macrobid when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.