Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) tips from pharmacists

• Finish all the nitrofurantoin given by your healthcare provider even if you start to feel better. Not taking the full course of antibiotics can cause your infection to be incompletely treated. This can make the infection come back or become harder to treat in the future.

• Taking Macrobid with food helps with the absorption of the medicine and reduces the likelihood of gastrointestinal side effects.

• Macrobid twice-a-day capsules should be swallowed whole. The four-times-a-day capsules can be opened, and the contents can be added to food or beverages like juice.

• If you are taking nitrofurantoin suspension, shake the bottle well before using. Measure the dose with a dose-measuring cup or spoon, not a regular spoon from your kitchen.

• If you are taking a probiotic, take it at least 1 hour away from Macrobid to prevent the antibiotic from killing the “good bacteria” in the probiotic.

• Do not take antacids that contain magnesium while on Macrobid. These antacids can prevent the absorption of nitrofurantoin.

• Nitrofurantoin can cause problems in the infant if taken during the last month of pregnancy or while breastfeeding a newborn infant. Before starting this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• If you are doing urine sugar tests, tell your doctor you are on nitrofurantoin because it can interfere with the results of these tests.