Nitrofurantoin
Brand: Macrobid
No boxed warning on the current FDA label.
- Caution
- Acute and chronic pulmonary reactions, liver injury, and peripheral neuropathy; the label contraindicates use with creatinine clearance below 60 mL/min (Beers Criteria allow short courses down to 30 mL/min).
- Pregnancy
- Avoid at term (38 to 42 weeks) and in labor: hemolytic anemia in the newborn.
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Headache
- Brown or dark urine discoloration
- Loss of appetite
- Gas
Key interactions
- Antacids with magnesium reduce absorption
- May reduce effect of some typhoid vaccines
Counseling points
- Take with food to improve absorption
- Finish the full course
- Harmless brown urine may occur
- Report cough or trouble breathing
- Report numbness or tingling
- Not used when kidney function is poor
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