Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid)

Nitrofurantoin

Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic used to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs) such as cystitis. You can order Nitrofurantoin capsules online from Life Meds Pharmacy, UK-based pharmacy.

Nitrofurantoin can be used to both treat UTIs and also as a prophylaxis to prevent recurrent infections.

If you experience UTIs often, consult your GP for advice on whether MacroBID (Nitrofurantoin) would be suitable for you.

What is Cystitis, and how is it caused?

Cystitis is a bacterial infection of the urinary tract, commonly known as a urinary tract infection (UTI).

Women have a greater risk than men for developing a UTI due to the shorter distance between the urethra and anus, and the length of the urethra itself in women.

Cystitis occurs when bacteria, such as E. coli, enter the urethra and travel up into the bladder, where it causes inflammation.

While the condition is not classed as a sexually transmitted infection (STI), it is not uncommon for UTIs to develop after sexual intercourse.

To prevent Cystitis from developing after having sex, you should go to the toilet as soon as you can after sex to flush out any bacteria which may be in your urethra.

The condition can also develop when there is an obstruction in the urinary tract. Such obstructions include bladder and kidney stones, pressure on the bladder during pregnancy, and the presence of foreign bodies such as catheters.

If the bladder cannot empty fully, pools of urine can remain in the bladder, providing the perfect conditions for a bacterial infection to develop.

Some underlying health conditions, such as diabetes and multiple sclerosis, can increase the risk of developing a UTI.

Cystitis can also affect men, though this is uncommon. Men who suspect they have a urinary tract infection should arrange an appointment to see their GP, to rule out the cause of their symptoms.

How does MacroBID (Nitrofurantoin) 100mg work?

According to the NHS, nitrofurantoin is filtered from the blood into the urine, where it acts directly to fight the infection in the urinary tract.

MacroBID (Nitrofurantoin) works by changing the DNA of the bacterial cells. The cells become weak and can no longer multiply. This makes it easier for your immune system to fight against the infection.

How long does MacroBID (Nitrofurantoin) take to work on treating a UTI?

It may take at least 3 days of MacroBID (Nitrofurantoin 100 mg) treatment before your symptoms start to improve. You will need to take your antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor. Not completing your course of antibiotics can result in your infection coming back.

For men, it may take up to 7 days for your UTI symptoms to improve.

How Do I Take MacroBID (Nitrofurantoin) 100mg?

To treat a UTI, the normal dose of MacroBID is 100 mg taken twice a day, or 50 mg taken 4 times a day.

For cystitis in women, the course usually lasts for 3 days.

For cystitis in men, the course usually lasts for 7 days.

For more severe infections, 100 mg of MacroBID may need to be taken 4 times a day.

Your doctor will prescribe a treatment course appropriate for you after reviewing your symptoms.

When taking MacroBID (Nitrofurantoin) 100mg twice a day, space the time you take your tablets out by 12 hours. This means that if you take one dose at 7am, your next dose should be 7pm.

If you are taking MacroBID 4 times a day, the doses should be spread evenly across the day. Take the first dose in the morning. Take the second dose around midday. The third dose should be administered in the evening and the fourth dose should be taken just before you go to bed.

Swallow each capsule whole with a glass of water.

MacroBID (Nitrofurantoin) capsules should be taken with food or milk to avoid stomach upset.

What should I do if I forget to take MacroBID (Nitrofurantoin)?

If you forget to take MacroBID when you should, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue to take MacroBID (Nitrofurantoin) as prescribed by your doctor.

Do not take more MacroBID to make up for the missed dose.

What should I do if I take too much MacroBID (Nitrofurantoin)?

If you take too much MacroBID (Nitrofurantoin), tell your doctor as soon as possible.

MacroBID (Nitrofurantoin) Side Effects and Cautions

All medicines have the risk of causing side effects, though not everyone gets them. Being aware of the risks which come with the medicine you take is important for your health.

Before you take MacroBID (Nitrofurantoin), read the patient information leaflet enclosed with your medicine. The leaflet contains instruction on storing, using and disposing MacroBID, and important information regarding the safety of the medicine.

Side effects of MacroBID (Nitrofurantoin) may include:

• Dark yellow or brownish urine
• Dizziness
• Feeling sleepy
• Headaches
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Short-term hair loss
• Vomiting

You should stop taking MacroBID and speak to your doctor if you notice any of the following:

• Blue or purple skin tone
• Extreme mood changes or a change in mental state, confusion, weakness and blurred vision.
• Fever, chills, cough and shortness of breath
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)
• Raised pressure in the skull (severe headaches)

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects associated with MacroBID (Nitrofurantoin). Further information regarding the safety of this medicine, including a complete list of side effects, can be found in the patient information leaflet enclosed with your medicine.

When taking antibiotics, it is important to complete your course of treatment as prescribed by a doctor. If you stop taking antibiotics too early, your infection may come back. Stopping this antibiotic treatment early may cause future infections to become resistant to treatment with this antibiotic.

Who should not take MacroBID (Nitrofurantoin)?

Do not take MacroBID if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in MacroBID, such as nitrofurantoin.

MacroBID contains lactose. If you have lactose intolerance, speak to your doctor for further advice on taking MacroBID (nitrofurantoin).