What is Macrodantin: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Macrodantin overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Macrodantin, Nitrofurantoin Avpak, Nitrofurantoin Macrocrystals AvPak

Generic Names:

  • Nitrofurantoin Macrocrystal

Uses:

  • Treats urinary tract infections.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antibiotic

Forms:

  • Capsule

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Macrodantin used for?

What form(s) does Macrodantin come in

  • Capsule

What are common Macrodantin doses?

  • Capsule 25MG

  • Capsule 50MG

  • Capsule 100MG

Common Macrodantin prescriptions

  • Macrodantin
    12 capsules bottle

  • Macrodantin
    14 capsules bottle

  • Macrodantin
    20 capsules bottle

  • Macrodantin
    28 capsules bottle

  • Macrodantin
    100mg capsule

  • Macrodantin
    25mg capsule

  • Macrodantin
    50mg capsule

How to take Macrodantin

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Oral routeIt is best to take this medicine with food or milk.

  • Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Oral routeIt is best to take this medicine with food or milk.

  • Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.

What to do if you miss a dose of Macrodantin

  • Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Oral routeAsk your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Macrodantin contraindications

  • You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to nitrofurantoin or if you are in your last weeks of pregnancy (week 38 or later). You should not use this medicine if you have severe kidney disease, if you are unable to urinate, or if you have a decreased amount of urine. Do not use this medicine if you have a history of liver disease with nitrofurantoin.

Macrodantin warnings

  • Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

  • Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or pain in your upper stomach.

  • Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, heart disease, lung disease, anemia, diabetes, a mineral imbalance in the blood, or vitamin B deficiency. Make sure your doctor knows if you have a condition called G6PD-deficiency.

  • This medicine may cause your urine to be a brown color. This is normal and will not affect how the medicine works.

  • This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.

  • Use this medicine only to treat the infection you now have. This medicine will not work for colds, flu, or other virus infections.

  • If you take this medicine to prevent a urine infection, you may take it for a long time. Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Macrodantin interactions

  • If you take this medicine to prevent a urine infection, you may take it for a long time. Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.

  • Use this medicine only to treat the infection you now have. This medicine will not work for colds, flu, or other virus infections.

  • It is best not to use antacids containing magnesium trisilicate (such as Foamicon® or Gaviscon®) while you are using nitrofurantoin.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using probenecid (Benemid®) or sulfinpyrazone (Anturane®).

Macrodantin side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Cough, fever, chills, weakness, shortness of breath, or chest pain.

  • Dark-colored urine or pale stools.

  • Blisters, peeling, or red skin rash.

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Diarrhea or loose, watery stools that may contain blood.

  • Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

  • Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or pain in your upper stomach.

  • Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet.

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Hair loss.

  • Mild nausea, vomiting, constipation, stomach upset, or pain.

  • Dizziness, headache, or blurred vision.

  • Vaginal itching or fluids.

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