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Macrodantin

Generic name: nitrofurantoin

Brand names: Macrobid, Macrodantin

Last updated November 2, 2026 0 views
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What is Macrodantin?

Macrodantin is an antibiotic used for adults and children who are at least 1 month old to treat or prevent urinary tract infections caused by certain bacteria.

Macrodantin may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

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How should I take Macrodantin?

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

Your dose may change if you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of this medicine. Avoid medication errors by using it exactly as directed on the label or as prescribed by your doctor.

Take with food.

Doses are based on weight in children. Your child's dose may change if the child gains or loses weight.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid). Measure a dose with the supplied measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Keep using this medicine even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses could make your infection resistant to medication. Macrodantin will not treat a viral infection (flu or a common cold).

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

Macrodantin may darken your urine to a brown color. This is normal and is not harmful.

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

If you use this medicine long-term, you may need frequent medical tests including blood tests to check your kidney function.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea. Tell your doctor if you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody.

Store tightly closed at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Protect from light. Use the oral suspension within 30 days. Throw away any medicine not used within that time. Do not freeze the oral suspension.

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

Warnings

You should not take Macrodantin if you have severe kidney disease, problems with urination, or a history of jaundice or liver issues caused by this medicine.

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

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

Before taking this medicine

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

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

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

Do not give Macrodantin to children younger than 1 month old.

Tell your doctor if you have or ever had:

  • anemia (low red blood cells);
  • diabetes;
  • an electrolyte imbalance or vitamin B deficiency;
  • a genetic enzyme deficiency called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency;
  • any other medical condition;
  • liver problems; or
  • kidney disease.

It is not known if Macrodantin will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

You should not breastfeed a baby under 1 month old or who has a glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency.

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

Macrodantin side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, trouble 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).

Macrodantin can cause rare but serious lung problems. Call your doctor right away if you have: shortness of breath during activity, wheezing, chest pain or discomfort, dry cough, feeling weak or tired, loss of appetite, rapid weight loss, chills, or fever.

Macrodantin may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have:

  • severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody (even if it happens months after your last dose);
  • pain and burning when you urinate;
  • numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands or feet;
  • pale skin, confusion or weakness; or
  • liver problems—loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Common side effects of Macrodantin may include:

  • nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite;
  • dizziness, vertigo (spinning sensation), headache;
  • unusual or involuntary eye movements;
  • lung or liver problems;
  • rash, itching;
  • numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands or feet;
  • gas; or
  • abnormal blood tests.

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.

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

What happens if I miss a dose?

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

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

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

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

What other drugs will affect Macrodantin?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

  • probenecid; or
  • sulfinpyrazone.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect Macrodantin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

Common questions about Macrodantin

What is "dual release" nitrofurantoin?
Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic used to treat and prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs). It is available in two main capsule formulations: Macrodantin (macrocrystalline nitrofurantoin) – often called regular-release. Macrobid (nitrofurantoin monohydrate/macrocrystals) – often called dual-release Continue reading
How long does nitrofurantoin take to work for a UTI?
Nitrofurantoin usually starts working in the bladder within hours, but most people notice symptom improvement within 24–48 hours. Full relief typically occurs over 3–5 days when the drug is taken as prescribed for an uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI). Continue reading
Can you drink alcohol while taking nitrofurantoin?
Most evidence suggests there is no direct, proven chemical interaction between nitrofurantoin and alcohol, meaning an occasional drink is unlikely to inactivate the antibiotic or cause a specific “reaction” in most healthy adults. However, alcohol can worsen side effects, stress the liver, and impair recovery from a urinary tract infection (UTI). Continue reading

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Before you take this medicine: the information on this page is general and may not cover your personal circumstances. Read the label supplied with your medicine and ask a pharmacist or doctor if you are unsure, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking other medicines or managing a long-term condition.
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Content is provided for education and is not medical advice. See our medical disclaimer.