Macrobid

Macrobid

     * Generic Name: nitrofurantoin
     * Brand Name: Macrobid


     * What is nitrofurantoin?
     * What are the possible side effects of nitrofurantoin?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       nitrofurantoin?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
       nitrofurantoin?
     * How should I take nitrofurantoin?
     * What happens if I miss a dose?
     * What happens if I overdose?
     * What should I avoid while taking nitrofurantoin?
     * What other drugs will affect nitrofurantoin?
     * Where can I get more information?

What is nitrofurantoin?

   Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic that fights bacteria in the body.

   Nitrofurantoin is used to treat urinary tract infections.

   Nitrofurantoin may also be used for purposes not listed in this
   medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of nitrofurantoin?

   Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an
   allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face,
   lips, tongue, or throat.

   Call your doctor at once if you have:
     * diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
     * sudden chest pain or discomfort, wheezing, dry cough or hack;
     * new or worsening cough, trouble breathing;
     * fever, chills, body aches, tiredness, unexplained weight loss;
     * numbness, tingling, or pain in your hands or feet;
     * liver problems--nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling,
       loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools,
       jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
     * lupus-like syndrome--joint pain or swelling with fever, swollen
       glands, muscle aches, chest pain, vomiting, unusual thoughts or
       behavior, and patchy skin color.

   Serious side effects may be more likely in older adults and those who
   are ill or debilitated.

   Common side effects may include:
     * headache, dizziness;
     * gas, upset stomach;
     * mild diarrhea; or
     * vaginal itching or discharge.

   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.

What is the most important information I should know about nitrofurantoin?

   You should not take nitrofurantoin if you have severe kidney disease,
   urination problems, or a history of jaundice or liver problems caused
   by nitrofurantoin.

   Do not take nitrofurantoin if you are in the last 2 to 4 weeks of
   pregnancy.

   Macrobid Patient Information including How Should I Take
   RxList

   Take the UTI Quiz
   Urinary Tract Infection:Bladder Infection Symptoms, Causes and
   Treatments

   Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Slideshow Pictures
   Urinary Incontinence in Women: Loss of Bladder Control?

   Urinary Incontinence in Women Slideshow Pictures

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
nitrofurantoin?

   You should not take nitrofurantoin if you are allergic to it, or if you
   have:
     * severe kidney disease;
     * a history of jaundice or liver problems caused by taking
       nitrofurantoin;
     * if you are urinating less than usual or not at all; or
     * if you are in the last 2 to 4 weeks of pregnancy.

   Do not take nitrofurantoin if you are in the last 2 to 4 weeks of
   pregnancy.

   To make sure nitrofurantoin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you
   have:
     * kidney disease;
     * anemia;
     * diabetes;
     * an electrolyte imbalance or vitamin B deficiency;
     * glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency; or
     * any type of debilitating disease.

   FDA pregnancy category B. This medicine is not expected to be harmful
   to an unborn baby during early pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are
   pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

   Nitrofurantoin can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby.
   You should not breast-feed while you are taking nitrofurantoin.

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

How should I take nitrofurantoin?

   Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this
   medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

   Take nitrofurantoin with food.

   Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose.
   Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a
   special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a
   dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

   You may mix your liquid dose with water, milk, or fruit juice to make
   it easier to swallow. Drink the entire mixture right away.

   Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms
   may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses
   may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to
   antibiotics. Nitrofurantoin will not treat a viral infection such
   as the common cold or flu.

   Nitrofurantoin is usually given for up to 3 days after lab tests
   show that the infection has cleared.

   If you use this medicine long-term, you may need frequent medical tests
   at your doctor's office.

   Nitrofurantoin can cause unusual results with certain lab tests for
   glucose (sugar) in the urine. Tell any doctor who treats you that you
   are using nitrofurantoin.

   Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

   Macrobid Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
   RxList

   Take the UTI Quiz
   Urinary Tract Infection:Bladder Infection Symptoms, Causes and
   Treatments

   Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Slideshow Pictures
   Urinary Incontinence in Women: Loss of Bladder Control?

   Urinary Incontinence in Women Slideshow Pictures

What happens if I miss a dose?

   Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if
   it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra
   medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

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

What should I avoid while taking nitrofurantoin?

   Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new
   infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call
   your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the diarrhea unless your
   doctor has told you to.

   Avoid using antacids without your doctor's advice. Use only the
   type of antacid your doctor recommends. Some antacids can make it
   harder for your body to absorb nitrofurantoin.

What other drugs will affect nitrofurantoin?

   Other drugs may interact with nitrofurantoin, including prescription
   and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell
   each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and
   any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about nitrofurantoin.
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