Nitrofurantoin

Nitrofurantoin, sold under the brand name Macrobid among others, is an antibacterial medication of the nitrofuran class. It is used primarily to treat lower urinary tract infections (UTIs) but it is also used in bladder infections. It is not indicated for kidney infections nor is it as effective for them. It is taken by mouth. Common side effects include nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and headaches. Rarely numbness, lung problems, or liver problems may occur. While it appears to be generally safe during pregnancy its use is not recommended near time of delivery. While it usually works by slowing bacterial growth, it may result in bacterial death at the high concentrations found in urine, provided forced fluid dilution of urine is avoided. As the name or branding suggests, nitrofurantoin (due to the brand name macrobid) should be taken twice per day, or bis in die (B.I.D.). Nitrofurantoin was first sold in 1953. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. It is available as a generic medication. In 2023, it was the 143rd most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 3 million prescriptions.