Drug Trade Name: Macrobid, Furadantin, Nitro Macro, Macrodantin
Generic Name: Nitrofurantoin
Introduction and quick information:
Macrobid is an antibiotic that interferes with chemical processes in the bacteria present in the body. This interference also causes death of the bacteria. These chemical processes involve making of cell walls, proteins and DNA.This property of Macrobid makes it suitable for the treatment of urinary tract infections caused by bacteria.
This drug is often used against a bacterium named E.Coli. Nitrofurantoin is an active ingredient of Macrobid. It is present in two forms in Macrobid – monohydrate form (75%) and microcrystalline form (25%). The monohydrate form along with a special form of powder forms a gel like substance that releases the medicine slowly over time.
Is it approved By FDA?
Macrobid is approved by FDA on 24th Dec, 1991 as an effective drug to fight against certain types of bacteria that causes infection in urinary tracts.
Usage and Benefits of Macrobid:
Macrobid is used for the inactivity of a bacteria’s metabolism by which it produces cell walls, DNA and proteins. These compounds settle around the urethra and then cause infections in the urinary tracts.
Infections caused by Escherichia coli or Staphylococcus saprophyticus bacteria are generally treated using this medication. It can’t be used for the treatment of infections occurring in the kidney.
Macrobid Side Effects:
Every drug comes with a guarantee that will cause few or more side-effects which can be either less severe or very serious. Severity of a side-effect depends upon the immunity power of your body and how properly you have taken the medication. Here we are going to mention only the possible side-effects associated with Macrobid. Some of them are listed below-
- Diarrhea
- Itching
- Weakness and numbness
- Swelling
- Loss of appetite
- Pain in the joints
- Nausea
- Yellow or brown coloration of urine
- Inflammation of the liver
- Rash
- Damage to the lungs
- Vomiting
You can prevent yourself from the severity of these side-effects and many more those are not listed here. All you have to do is to take some safety precaution and bring some changes in your lifestyle. We will discuss about it later in this review.
General recommended dosages of Macrobid:
Macrobid comes in the form of capsules that is to be taken twice a day according to general recommended dosages but we recommend you to take it as prescribed by your doctor in his prescription.
Macrobid should be taken with food and a glass full of water.
In case I miss the dose?
There is no need to worry about the dose that you have missed intentionally or unintentionally because you can catch up with it by taking it at the time you remember or wish but keep one thing in mind that there must be a specific gap between your current dose and next scheduled dose else you have to face side-effects as in case of overdose. You can simply skip the missed dose at such situation.
But if you have missed a number of dosages then you have to consult your doctor because you may need to restart the medication with same or less concentration of medicine.
In case I take overdose?
If you have taken a drug overdose then you are in trouble. You may have to face the life-threatening side-effects of it. So, better inform your healthcare provider about the overdose so that you can take some safety measures in the meanwhile before medical help reaches the place of incident.
Drug Interactions of Macrobid:
Drug interactions of Macrobid are listed under-
- Ambien (zolpidem)
- Colace (docusate)
- Aspirin
- Cymbalta (duloxetine)
- Coumadin (warfarin)
- Lexapro (escitalopram)
- Lasix (furosemide)
- Lipitor (atorvastatin)
- Lyrica (pregabalin)
- Lisinopril
- Metformin
- Omeprazole
- Metoprolol
- Prednisone
- Synthroid (levothyroxine)
- Simvastatin
- Tramadol
- Vicodin (acetaminophen/hydrocodone)
- Tylenol (acetaminophen)
- Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol)
The above mentioned drugs are those popular drugs whose interaction with Macrobid may be harmful. There are many other drugs but the interaction of most of them with Macrobid. Moreover, do not rely on the above list as it is not complete. The better and safer way is to inform your doctor about the other medications you are taking along with Macrobid.
Life style and food habits you must follow when on Macrobid:
We all are familiar with the popular phrase “Health is Wealth”. But how many of you really care about your health. You are so busy in your day to day schedule that you don’t even have time for a proper diet and proper exercise and this becomes the reason why the effect of a disease is greater on you than any other healthy person. So, if you are busy in your schedule and taking Macrobid medication then at least take care of few things like avoiding antacid usage as it can make Macrodin absorption difficult. Moreover, antibiotic can also cause diarrhea thus should be taken under doctor’s supervision only
How safe is Macrobid for pregnant women or Nursing mothers?
Macrobid is an antibiotic that is assigned pregnancy category B by FDA. It is considered safe for pregnant women during the early stages of pregnancy but its usage during labor stage is harmful as it may induce hemolytic anemia in infant.
American Academy of Pediatrics considered use of Macrodin as safe for nursing mothers if the baby being nursed is more than one month old. In infants below one month of age, use of Macrodin can increase the risk of G-6-PD-deficiency and hemolytic anemia. Thus keeping this in mind either one of the options discontinues the drug or discontinues nursing.
Complications and Conditions possible due to prolonged use of Macrobid:
Prolonged use of Macrobid may result in vaginal yeast infection or oral thrush. Inform your doctor in case you observe a change in vaginal discharge, white patches in your mouth or any new side-effect. A serious allergic reaction to this drug may involve rash, severe dizziness, itching/swelling, trouble breathing. If it occurs, seek immediate medical attention.
Availability of Macrobid:
Macrobid is available in the form of capsules generally of 100mg concentration. You can buy them from any government hospital across the country and also from any local FDA approved medical store in your locality. But do not forget to keep your doctor’s prescription with you.
