warnings

What is the most important information I should know about Macrobid (Nitrofurantoin)?

You should not take nitrofurantoin if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

severe kidney disease;
urination problems (little or no urination); or
a history of jaundice or liver problems caused by taking nitrofurantoin.

Do not take nitrofurantoin during late pregnancy (from 38 weeks through delivery).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

kidney disease;
anemia;
diabetes;
an electrolyte imbalance or vitamin B deficiency;
glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency; or
any type of debilitating disease.

You should not breastfeed a baby younger than 1 month old while you are taking nitrofurantoin.

Nitrofurantoin should not be given to a child younger than 1 month old.

Side Effects

What are the side effects of Macrobid (Nitrofurantoin)?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Call your doctor at once if you have:

severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody (even if it occurs months after your last dose);
vision problems;
fever, chills, cough, chest pain, trouble breathing;
numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands or feet;
severe pain behind your eyes;
pale skin, weakness;
joint pain or swelling with fever, swollen glands, and muscle aches;
pain, redness, or swelling in your lower jaw;
increased pressure inside the skull--severe headaches, ringing in your ears, dizziness, nausea, vision problems, pain behind your eyes; or
signs of liver or pancreas problems--upper stomach pain (that may spread to your back), nausea or vomiting, dark urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Side effects may be more likely in older adults.

Common side effects may include:

headache, dizziness, drowsiness, weakness;
gas, indigestion, loss of appetite;
nausea, vomiting;
muscle or joint pain;
rash, itching; or
temporary hair loss.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Dosage Guidelines & Tips

How to take Macrobid (Nitrofurantoin)?

Use Macrobid (Nitrofurantoin) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Take nitrofurantoin with food, even if you take it at bedtime.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

You may need to keep taking nitrofurantoin for up to 7 days after lab tests show that the infection has cleared. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication. Nitrofurantoin will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.

This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using nitrofurantoin.

If you use this medicine long-term, you may need frequent medical tests.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Do not freeze the liquid medicine, and keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use. Throw away any nitrofurantoin liquid that has not been used within 30 days.

What should I do if I missed a dose of Macrobid (Nitrofurantoin)?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.