Macrobid
Indicated to target urinary tract infections by inhibiting bacterial growth.
- Category
- Antibiotics
- Active ingredient
- Nitrofurantoin
- Supply
- Pharmacy
- Route
- Oral use
- Form
- Prolonged-release capsule, hard
- Strengths
- 50 · 100mg
Macrobid details
- Conditions
- Cystitis · Urinary Tract Infection
- Alternative names
- Macrodantin
- Therapeutic class
- Urinary Anti-infective
- Pharmacological class
- Nitrofuran
- Contraindications
- renal impairment; hypersensitivity to nitrofurantoin
- Precautions and warnings
- may colour urine brown; monitor for pulmonary symptoms
- Minor side effects
- nausea; headache
- Moderate side effects
- diarrhoea; abdominal ache
- Dosage forms
- Prolonged-release capsule, hard
- Administration route
- Oral use
- Patient summary
- indicated to target urinary tract infections by inhibiting bacterial growth.
- Supply category
- Pharmacist only, dispensed without a prescription
- Manufacturer
- Alident
- Onset Time
- 1–2 hours
- Duration
- 12 hours
- Storage instructions
- Store below 25°C.
- Drug interactions
- magnesium trisilicate; probenecid
- Age restrictions
- Caution in elderly.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Use with caution. Avoid at term.
Serious side effects
pulmonary fibrosis, requires immediate medical attention; haepatotoxicity, requires immediate medical attention; peripheral neuropathy, requires immediate medical attention
Mechanism of action
Nitrofurantoin damages bacterial DNA in susceptible organisms, preventing growth within the urinary tract.
Where this medicine is registered
- Singapore
- Hong Kong
- Thailand
- Malaysia
- Philippines
- Indonesia
- Taiwan
- South Korea
- Japan
- Australia
- New Zealand
- UAE
- South Africa
About Macrobid
Macrobid contains nitrofurantoin, an antibiotic commonly used to treat cystitis and urinary tract infection. This treatment, also sold under the brand name Macrodantin, is supplied as a tablet with strengths of 50mg and 100mg. It is manufactured by Alident and functions by acting directly on the source of the infection within the urinary tract.
Macrobid availability in Asia
Macrobid is registered across 14 markets including Indonesia, Taiwan and South Korea, with availability also in Japan, the UAE and Singapore. Generic nitrofurantoin, much of it made in India, is often more affordable than the original brand for expats and those living far from local pharmacy stock. While widely accessible, this medicine is best used under a doctor’s care to ensure appropriate treatment for your specific needs.