Medically Reviewed by Dr. Harshi Dhingra, M.D.

Last Reviewed: Jul 11, 2022

Common Questions


Common Questions about Macrobid (nitrofurantoin)


How long does it take for Macrobid to work?

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) generally starts working within 3-5 days, although it can take up to 7 days for the infection to clear completely. You should finish all the antibiotics given by your doctor even if you start to feel well after a few days of Macrobid treatment. Failure to do so can result in incomplete treatment of your urinary tract infection, causing it to come back and become harder to treat in the future.



Can you drink alcohol while taking Macrobid?

Doctors advise that you avoid drinking alcohol while taking Macrobid to treat a urinary tract infection. This is because alcohol can cause dehydration and make your UTI worse.



Is Macrobid the same as amoxicillin?

No, Macrobid contains nitrofurantoin as the active ingredient. It is used to prevent and treat uncomplicated urinary tract infections. Amoxicillin (brand name Amoxil) is a different antibiotic that may also be used to treat urinary tract infections. Your doctor will decide which is the best antibiotic for UTI in your case.



Can I take Macrobid on an empty stomach?

You should not take Macrobid on an empty stomach. Food helps in the absorption of this medicine and also reduces gastrointestinal side effects. If you take Macrobid without food, it may take longer to treat your urinary tract infection. Also, you might have more side effects like nausea, vomiting, gas, and heartburn.



Can Macrobid make a UTI worse?

Macrobid is an effective antibiotic that works well against bacteria that cause urinary tract infections. Be sure to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your healthcare professional. Take the entire course of antibiotics even if you start to feel well. If you stop Macrobid treatment early, your infection could come back and become worse.



What is the price of Macrobid without insurance?

Without insurance, brand name Macrobid can be as high as $261.00, but with a free BuzzRx prescription discount coupon, you could pay as low as $16.09 for the most common, generic version of this medication. Use the BuzzRx drug price look-up tool to find the lowest discounted price, and be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity for the most accurate pricing. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescriptions—whether you have insurance or not.



What is the price of Macrobid with insurance?

Ask your pharmacist or insurance provider for your copay price on Macrobid—copay amounts vary depending on the type of insurance plan you have and if there is a deductible to reach before prescription drug coverage begins.

You could save up to 80% on your prescription medication with a free BuzzRx discount coupon for Macrobid. When using the BuzzRx lookup tool to find the price of your medicine, be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity to receive the most accurate discounted pricing. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescriptions—whether you have insurance or not.