MACROBID

Who is Macrobid for ?

Nitrofurantoin, an antibiotic, eliminates bacteria that cause urinary tract infections. Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections. this medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Nitrofurantoin inhibits a certain enzyme that bacteria need to replicate and form new bacterial cells. It doesn't allow bacterial to reproduce.

When should I be careful taking Macrobid ?

Before taking nitrofurantoin,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to nitrofurantoin or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially antacids, antibiotics, benztropine (Cogentin), diphenhydramine (Benadryl), probenecid (Benemid), trihexyphenidyl (Artane), and vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have anemia, kidney disease, lung disease, nerve damage, or glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficiency (an inherited blood disease).
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking nitrofurantoin, call your doctor. Nitrofurantoin should not be taken by women in the last month of pregnancy.
• you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
• remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
• plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Nitrofurantoin may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.

Side Effects

Although side effects from nitrofurantoin are not common, they can occur. Your urine may turn dark yellow or brown; this effect is harmless. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• upset stomach
• vomiting
• loss of appetite

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• difficulty breathing
• fever or chills
• chest pain
• persistent cough
• numbness, tingling, or pinprick sensation in the fingers and toes
• muscle weakness
• swelling of the lips or tongue
• skin rash