Macrodantin (Nitrofurantoin Macrocrystal)

Do's

• Take Macrodantin by mouth with food or milk exactly as your healthcare provider instructs. This usually means four times a day for infections or once daily at bedtime for prevention. 
• Swallow the medication whole. 
• Take Macrodantin at evenly spaced times throughout the day. 
• Take it exactly as prescribed, if used for prevention, without skipping doses, and continue even if symptoms improve. 
• Finish the entire prescribed amount, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping early can lead to infection recurrence. 
• Inform your healthcare provider if your condition doesn't improve or worsens. 

Don'ts

• Avoid taking magnesium trisilicate antacids while on Macrodantin, as they can interfere with its absorption. 

The dose depends on your medical condition, weight (for children), and how well you respond to treatment.

Common side effects may include:

• Nausea
• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Upset stomach
• Loss of appetite
• Changes in taste
• Skin rash
• Muscle or joint pain
• Fatigue

Serious side effects:

• Severe stomach pain or cramping
• Watery or bloody diarrhea (even if it occurs months after your last dose)
• Vision problems
• Fever, chills, cough, or chest pain
• Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in the hands or feet
• Severe pain behind the eyes
• Pale skin or weakness
• Signs of liver problems, such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, unusual tiredness, dark urine, or yellowing of eyes/skin
• Allergic reactions, such as rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking  Macrodantin,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Tell your healthcare provider about any allergies you have, including allergies to Macrodantin itself or its inactive ingredients.

Inform your healthcare provider about your medical history, especially if you have any of the following conditions:

• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• G-6-PD deficiency (a genetic condition)
• Certain blood disorders (anemia)
• Lung diseases
• Nerve problems
• Eye diseases
• Diabetes
• Mineral imbalance
• Vitamin B deficiency

Macrodantin may interfere with the effectiveness of certain live bacterial vaccines. Inform your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking, including Macrodantin, before getting any vaccinations.

Older adults may be more at risk for side effects from Macrodantin, particularly nerve, liver, or lung problems.

Macrodantin should only be used during pregnancy if clearly necessary and should be avoided near or at the time of delivery due to potential risks to the newborn. Discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.

Macrodantin passes into breast milk and may harm nursing infants, especially those less than one month old or with G-6-PD deficiency. Consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding while taking Macrodantin.