Macrodantin

Generic name: Nitrofurantoin macrocrystals

What is Macrodantin?

Macrodantin is an antibiotic used to treat urinary tract infections caused by bacteria known as Escherichia coli, enterococci, Staphylococcus

aureus, and certain susceptible strains of Klebsiella and Enterobacter species.

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

After taking Macrodantin, immediate or delayed chronic lung reactions can occur that could lead to pneumonia, fibrosis of the lung, or death. These serious side effects are rare and are more likely to occur in patients taking Macrodantin 6 months or longer and who are over 65 years old. If you are on long-term Macrodantin therapy, your doctor will monitor your lung function. If you experience any shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever, chills, cough, or chest pain, you should notify your doctor immediately.

Macrodantin can cause severe liver reactions that may result in liver damage and even death. If you notice the whites of your eyes or your skin turning yellow, or have severe abdominal pain, inform your doctor immediately.

Macrodantin can cause severe or irreversible peripheral neuropathy (impairment of nerve function in the arms, legs, hands, feet, etc. that causes nerve pain), especially in patients with diabetes, vitamin B deficiency, anemia, electrolyte imbalances, kidney disease, or debilitating diseases.

Macrodantin can deplete the natural bacteria in your gut, allowing overgrowth of bacteria-associated diarrhea. This can occur as much as 2 months after you stop taking Macrodantin and is usually associated with severe abdominal pain, bloody stools, and diarrhea. If you have any of these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately and seek treatment.

Rarely, Macrodantin can cause a severe deficiency of red blood cells in certain patients, including black patients and patients of Mediterranean or Near Eastern descent. This anemia can be reversed upon discontinuing Macrodantin.

Macrodantin should only be used to treat bacterial infections only. It does not treat viral infections like the common cold.

It is important to finish the full course of therapy with Macrodantin even if you start to feel better when you begin taking it. Skipping doses or not finishing the full course of therapy may decrease the effectiveness of the immediate treatment and will also increase the chance that bacteria will develop resistance and cannot be treated by Macrodantin or other antibiotics in the future.

Who should not take Macrodantin?

You should not take Macrodantin if you do not produce urine or a small amount of urine, or if you have significant kidney impairment. Macrodantin should not be taken if you are pregnant at full term (38-42 weeks), during labor and delivery, or if the onset of labor is imminent. Macrodantin should not be given to neonates under 1 month of age. Also, you should not take it if you are known to be allergic or sensitive to it.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Macrodantin?

Mention all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Macrodantin. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you are pregnant and at full term (38-42 weeks), if you have liver or kidney disease or impairment, or are over 65.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Adults: The usual dosage is 50-100 milligrams (mg) taken 4 times a day. (If you have an uncomplicated urinary tract infection, your dosage may be lower.) For long-term suppressive therapy, 50-100 mg at bedtime may be adequate.

Children 1 month and older: The usual dosage is 5-7 mg per 2.2 pounds of bodyweight, per day, given in 4 divided doses. For long-term suppressive therapy, doses as low as 1 mg per 2.2 pounds of bodyweight—per 24 hours, given in a single dose or in two divided doses—may be adequate.

Therapy should be continued for one week or for at least 3 days after sterility of the urine is obtained.

How should I take Macrodantin?

Macrodantin should be taken with food to increase its absorption and decrease the occurrence of upset stomach. You should complete the full course of therapy even if you start feeling better.

What should I avoid while taking Macrodantin?

You should avoid taking antacids containing magnesium trisilicate.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Macrodantin?

If Macrodantin is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Macrodantin with antacids containing magnesium trisilicate, probenecid, or sulfinpyrazone.

What are the possible side effects of Macrodantin?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: loss of appetite, vomiting, nausea, anorexia, anaphylactic allergic reactions involving the lungs and skin, dizziness, headache, weakness, drowsiness

Can I receive Macrodantin if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Macrodantin is a pregnancy category B medication, which means that while some studies have been done in pregnant animals, it has not been studied in pregnant humans. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding. Macrodantin is excreted in breast milk. Tell your doctor immediately if you are breastfeeding, so he or she can decide whether you should take Macrodantin.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Macrodantin?

If you forget to take a dose of Macrodantin, do not double your next dose. Skip the dose you missed and return to your normal dosing schedule.

How should I store Macrodantin?

Store at room temperature.