WHAT IS Macrobid/Nitrofurantoin CAPSULES?

NITROFURANTOIN/Macrobid is an antibiotic. It is used to treat urinary tract infections. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

WHERE SHOULD I KEEP Macrobid/Nitrofurantoin?

Keep out of the reach of children.

HOW SHOULD I USE Macrobid/Nitrofurantoin?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine with food or milk. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

WHAT IF I MISS A DOSE?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

WHAT SHOULD I WATCH FOR WHILE USING Macrobid/Nitrofurantoin?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve or if you get new symptoms. Drink several glasses of water a day. If you are taking this medicine for a long time, visit your doctor for regular checks on your progress.

If you are diabetic, you may get a false positive result for sugar in your urine with certain brands of urine tests. Check with your doctor.

WHAT MAY INTERACT WITH Macrobid/Nitrofurantoin?

• probenecid/Probalan
• sulfinpyrazone
• quinolone antibiotics like ciprofloxacin/Cipro, lomefloxacin/Maxaquin, norfloxacin/Noroxin and ofloxacin/Floxin
• antacids containing magnesium trisilicate

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

WHAT SIDE EFFECTS MAY I NOTICE FROM Macrobid/Nitrofurantoin?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• unusually weak or tired
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• yellowing of eyes or skin
• pale or blue-tinted skin
• cough
• chest pain
• dizziness, drowsiness
• difficulty breathing
• allergic reactions like skin rash or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• fever or infection
• joint aches or pains
• tingling, burning, pain, or numbness in hands or feet

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• nausea or vomiting
• temporary hair loss
• headache
• dark urine
• loss of appetite
• diarrhea

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

WHAT SHOULD I TELL MY HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS BEFORE I TAKE Macrobid/Nitrofurantoin?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• breast-feeding
• diabetes
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• kidney disease
• lung disease
• liver disease
• anemia
• glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency
• an unusual or allergic reaction to nitrofurantoin/Macrobid , other antibiotics, other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives
• other chronic illness

What is the shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.