Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid)

Description

This is a drug that is used to fend off bacterial infections in the human body. It is classified as an antibiotic.

 

The main use of this medication is in the treatment of UTIs or Urinary Tract Infections, although it may be used for other purposes too.

 

 

 

Important data

 

Never take this medicine if you are suffering from a severe renal disorder, urinary problems or if you have had reactions to the medication before focusing on your liver.

 

If you are in the last month of pregnancy do not take this medication as it may affect your unborn child.

 

Do not take nitrofurantoin if you are allergic to it or any of the ingredients in it, or if you have been urinating less frequently than usual.

 

Tell your doctor if you have any kidney conditions, anemia, diabetes, or a lack of vitamin B in your body. Talk to your physician about any disorders you are currently suffering from.

 

While this medicine is not expected to harm a child in the initial stages of pregnancy, you should still tell your doctor if you are or plan on becoming pregnant.

 

Babies who are being breast fed can be harmed by this medication. Do not feed your baby if you are currently being treated with it.

 

Dosage

 

Make sure you follow all of the instructions that have been given to you by your doctor. Do not deviate from the prescription in any way.

 

Do not take this medicine for longer than you have been told to, and never take it in larger or smaller doses than you have been advised to by your doctor.

 

This drug can be taken with food, and it is recommended that you do so.

 

If you are taking the liquid form of the medicine, make sure that you shake it well every time you are going to pour out a dose of it.

 

Always use a medical measuring spoon or cup. This can be bought from any pharmacy. Do not use a normal spoon to measure out a dose of the liquid.

 

The liquid may even be mixed into water or milk, or even juice, if it helps you drink it down. Make sure you drink the full mixture without pausing.

 

The symptoms of your condition may recede before your prescribed course of treatment is over. Do not stop taking it just because this happens.

 

Do not try to treat viral flu or the cold with this medicine. It is an antibiotic, not an antiviral.

 

You may be required to take nitrofurantoin for up to 3 days after your infection is over, just to be sure that it won’t return.

 

Missed doses and overdose

 

If you miss a dose of this medication, take it as soon as you know you have. Do not take double doses to make up for a missed one.

 

If you are about to take your next dose, ignore the one you missed.

 

If you overdose on this drug, call your local poison hotline immediately, along with emergency services.

 

Side effects

 

Common side effects include:

 

 Headaches
 Dizziness
 Nausea
 Abdominal problems
 Mild diarrhea

 

More severe side effects include:

 

 Allergies
 Bloody diarrhea
 Angina
 Coughing
 Fever
 Numbness
 Liver issues

 

Call your doctor immediately if you experience these.

 

Contraindications

 

 Do not take if you experience an allergic reaction.

 

 Do not take this if you have bloody diarrhea.