MacroBid

Brand Names: MacroBid

Common Name: nitrofurantoin monohydrate - nitrofurantoin macrocrystals

What is this drug used for?

Nitrofurantoin belongs to the class of medications called antibiotics. It is used for the treatment of urinary tract infections or bladder infections caused by certain types of bacteria. It helps to eliminate the symptoms of urinary tract infections such as burning, pain, frequent urination, and a constant urge to urinate.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

Is there any reason not to take this drug?

This medication should not be used by:

• anyone with a significantly reduced kidney function pregnant women during labour and delivery, or when the onset of labour is imminent infants under one month of age anyone allergic to nitrofurantoin or to any of the ingredients of the medication

What about possible side effects?

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

More common:

• diarrhea
• gas

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

More common:

• changes in facial skin colour
• chest pain
• chills
• cough
• fever
• general feeling of discomfort or illness
• hives
• hoarseness
• itching
• joint or muscle pain
• shortness of breath
• skin rash
• sudden difficulty swallowing or breathing
• swelling of face, mouth, hands, or feet
• trouble breathing Less common:
• black, tarry stools
• blood in urine or stools
• burning, numbness, tingling, or painful sensations
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• headache
• pinpoint-sized red spots on skin
• sore throat
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• weakness in arms, hands, legs, or feet

Rare:

abdominal or stomach pain blistering, peeling, or loosening of skin and mucous membranes bluish colour of skin blurred vision or loss of vision, with or without eye pain bulging fontanel (soft spot on head) in infants confusion darkening of urine depression diarrhea (watery and severe; may also be bloody) loss of appetite mood or mental changes nausea or vomiting pale skin pale stools

red skin lesions, often with a purple center red, thickened, or scaly skin skin rash sores, ulcers, or white spots on lips or in mouth swollen or painful glands unpleasant breath odour visual changes vomiting of blood wheezing or tightness in chest yellow eyes or skin Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

What if I am taking other drugs?

The following medications may affect how nitrofurantoin monohydrate - nitrofurantoin macrocrystals works or increase the risk of side effects: antacids containing magnesium probenecid

• quinine
• quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin)
• sulfinpyrazone

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Other information:

Be sure to inform your doctor of all your medical conditions before you begin taking a medication. Some conditions can affect how you should take this medication.

Overgrowth of organisms: The use of this medication may cause an overgrowth of microorganisms not killed by the medication, with results such as yeast infections and resistant bacteria.

Pregnancy: There are no adequate, well-controlled studies on the effects of using this medication during pregnancy. It should not be used during pregnancy unless clearly needed.

Labour and delivery: Nitrofurantoin should not be taken by women during labour and delivery, or when the onset of labour is imminent.

Breast-feeding: Nitrofurantoin appears in trace amounts in breast milk. Nursing mothers should take this medication with caution only after the potential benefits have been weighed against the risks to the nursing infant. Children: Nitrofurantoin should not be taken by infants under the age of one month.

Special Instructions:

The recommended dose of this medication for adults and children over 12 years old is 100 mg twice daily. Nitrofurantoin should be taken with food or milk to reduce the risk of stomach upset.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is very important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Finish all of this medication, even if you start to feel better. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue on with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

© MediResource Inc. Terms and conditions of use: The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.