Macrodantin

The active ingredient in Macrodantin is nitrofurantoin. It is a nitrofuran antibiotic, and the mechanism of action is that the medication accumulates in your urine, killing germs in the urinary tract by destroying or inhibiting the proteins required for survival.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Macrodantin. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Macrodantin:

• If you change brands, strengths, or forms of this medication, your dosage requirements may change. Avoid medication errors by following the instructions on the label or as prescribed by your doctor.
• Take with food.
• Doses for children are based on their weight. If your child gains or loses weight, their dosage may alter.
• Shake the oral suspension (liquid). Use the supplied measuring equipment (not a kitchen spoon) to determine the appropriate dose.
• Continue taking this medication even if your symptoms resolve quickly. Skipping medications may make your infection resistant to treatment. Macrodantin does not treat viral infections (such as the flu or the common cold).
• Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or worsen.

Some side effects of nitrofurantoin include:

• Nausea.
• Headache.
• Gas.
• Drowsiness.
• Abdominal pain.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Macrodantin. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Severe hypersensitivity or allergic reactions include hives, rash, muscle aches, chills, fever, swelling of the lips or tongue, and shortness of breath.
• Severe diarrhea.
• Severe skin reaction with symptoms such as fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling.
• Lung problems, including pneumonitis, pulmonary fibrosis. Symptoms include chest pain, chills, cough, fever, fatigue, and trouble breathing.
• Liver problems (hepatotoxicity) include stomach bloating, severe stomach pain with vomiting, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice), loss of appetite, and dark urine.
• Peripheral neuropathy, with symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Macrodantin. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Macrodantin, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including:

• History of hepatic (liver) dysfunction.
• Problems with urination.
• Severe kidney impairment.
• Hemolytic anemia (low red blood cells).
• Diabetes.
• An electrolyte imbalance or a vitamin B deficiency.
• Genetic enzyme deficiency known as glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency.

Ask your doctor before taking an antacid that contains magnesium trisilicate, and take only the type your doctor recommends.

• History of liver damage or jaundice associated with nitrofurantoin use.
• Serious renal function issues.
• Urinating less frequently or not at all.
• Females between the 38th and 42nd weeks of pregnancy, as well as during labor and delivery.
• Children under one month of age.

The medication starts functioning within a few hours, but it takes 5 to 7 days to completely treat an infection.

When Macrodantin is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Probenecid.
• Sulfinpyrazone.

Treatment of UTIs

For adults, the normal dose is 50 mg to 100 mg orally four times per day with food. The dose for children aged one month and up is determined by their body weight; it is commonly administered orally four times a day, in divided doses, with meals at a rate of 1.25 mg/kg to 1.75 mg/kg. This drug is normally administered for 7 days, or at least 3 days after a urine test reveals that it is bacteria-free.

Prevention or prophylaxis of UTIs

The normal dose for adults is 50 mg to 100 mg taken orally once a day at bedtime with food. For children aged one month and up, the dose is determined by their body weight; it is normally 1 mg/kg body weight by mouth each day with food.

If you miss a dose of Macrodantin, take it as soon as possible, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for the next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Store at room temperature and keep out of reach of children.

Alembic Pharmaceuticals is the company that manufactures Macrodantin.

There are various lower-cost generic versions of Macrodantin available.

Continue to take the medication until the bottle is empty or your doctor advises it. Even if you feel better, do not stop taking your medication before this time. If you're not sure how long you should take the medication, ask your doctor. Discontinue if pulmonary reactions, hepatic disorders, or hemolysis occur.

Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you. Do not take Macrodantin during late pregnancy (38 weeks till delivery).

You should not breastfeed a baby under 1 month old or who has a glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, as the medication could pass through the breast milk.