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General Medication Fact Sheet for Nitrofurantoin
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Generic Name | Nitrofurantoin |
| Brand Name Versions | Macrobid, Macrodantin |
| Boxed/Label Warning | Nitrofurantoin should not be used to treat systemic infections (infections outside of the urinary tract). |
| Purpose | Antibiotic used to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs) |
| Mechanism of Action | Damages bacterial DNA, inhibiting bacterial growth |
| Dosage Forms | Oral capsules, Oral suspension |
| Available Strengths | 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg |
| Dosage Frequency | Typically two to four times daily, or as directed by a healthcare provider |
| Common Side Effects | Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, headache |
| Serious Side Effects | Pulmonary reactions (cough, shortness of breath), liver problems, nerve damage, severe allergic reactions |
| Drug Interactions | Antacids containing magnesium trisilicate, probenecid, and certain medications affecting kidney function |
| Important Notes | Take with food to improve absorption and reduce nausea; complete the full course of treatment; consult a doctor if symptoms worsen or do not improve. |
| Storage | Store at room temperature away from moisture and light |
| Missed Dose | Take as soon as you remember; skip if it’s almost time for your next dose. Do not double the dose. |
| Alternatives | Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim), Ciprofloxacin (Cipro), Levofloxacin (Levaquin), Fosfomycin (Monurol) |
Nitrofurantoin Alternatives
| Medication | Mechanism of Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim) | Inhibits bacterial synthesis of dihydrofolic acid | Commonly used for UTIs, but resistance is increasing in some areas. |
| Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) | Inhibits bacterial DNA gyrase | Fluoroquinolone antibiotic, use is generally reserved for more complicated infections due to potential side effects. |
| Levofloxacin (Levaquin) | Inhibits bacterial DNA gyrase | Fluoroquinolone antibiotic, use is generally reserved for more complicated infections due to potential side effects. |
| Fosfomycin (Monurol) | Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis | Single-dose treatment option for uncomplicated UTIs. |
Nitrofurantoin Side Effects
| Common Side Effects | Serious Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Nausea | Pulmonary reactions (cough, shortness of breath) |
| Vomiting | Liver problems (jaundice, abdominal pain) |
| Loss of appetite | Nerve damage (numbness, tingling) |
| Headache | Severe allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing) |
| Diarrhea | Persistent diarrhea (may indicate C. difficile infection) |
Nitrofurantoin Dosage Guide
| Condition | Starting Dose | Maintenance Dose | Administration Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncomplicated UTI (Macrobid) | 100 mg | 100 mg every 12 hours | Take with food for 7 days. |
| Uncomplicated UTI (Macrodantin) | 50-100 mg | 50-100 mg every 6 hours | Take with food for 7 days. |
| Prophylaxis of UTI | 50-100 mg | 50-100 mg once daily at bedtime | Discuss duration with healthcare provider. |
Nitrofurantoin Price With And Without Insurance
| Purchase Context | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| With Insurance | $10 |
| Without Insurance (U.S.) | $60 |
| From CPS | $56.95 |
