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Compare Fosfomycin vs. Nitrofurantoin

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

  • Fosfomycin (Monurol)
    Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid)
  • Fosfomycin (Monurol)
    Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid)

  • Summary of Fosfomycin vs. Nitrofurantoin

    Summary for Antibacterial
    Prescription only

    Fosfomycin (also known by its brand name, Monurol) is an antibiotic that's used for treating urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women, including those who are pregnant. It's a powder that's mixed with water before it's taken by mouth. Fosfomycin (Monurol) is a convenient option because you only need to take one dose to treat your infection and it doesn't have many drug interactions. Side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and headache.

    Summary for Nitrofuran antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid) is an antibiotic used to treat or prevent a urinary tract infection (UTI). Some side effects include nausea, headache, and gas. It can also make your urine turn dark yellow or brown. Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid) doesn't have many interactions with other medications. There's a lower-cost generic version of nitrofurantoin (Macrobid) available.

  • Indications of Fosfomycin vs. Nitrofurantoin

    Indications for
    •Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women
    Indications for
    •Treatment or prevention of urinary tract infections

  • Pros and Cons of Fosfomycin vs. Nitrofurantoin

    Pros and Const for Antibacterial
    Pros
    •Works well at treating UTIs, including those caused by resistant bacteria that are hard to treat with other antibiotics
    •Only need to take one dose to treat a UTI
    •Can use if you have kidney or liver problems
    Cons
    •Can cause diarrhea
    •Only used to treat UTIs that don't have complications
    •Hasn't been studied in children age 12 years and younger
    Pros and Const for Nitrofuran antibiotic
    Pros
    •Works well to treat and prevent UTIs
    •Available as both a capsule and a flavored oral suspension
    •Safe to take if you're allergic to other antibiotics like penicillin or sulfa medications (e.g., Bactrim, Septra (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim))
    Cons
    •Might need to take up to four times a day (depending on the formulation)
    •Can interact with certain types of antacids, travel vaccines, and lab tests
    •Can harm your lungs, liver, and nerves if taken for a long period of time

  • Common Side Effects of Fosfomycin vs. Nitrofurantoin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea (9%)
    •Vaginal inflammation (pain, redness, swelling, warmth; 6%)
    •Nausea (4%)
    •Headache (4%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (8%)
    •Headache (6%)
    •Gas (2%)

  • Warnings of Fosfomycin vs. Nitrofurantoin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection
    Common Side Effects for
    •Lung damage
    •Liver damage
    •Nerve damage (neuropathy)
    •Breakdown of red blood cells (hemolytic anemia)
    •Severe diarrhea

  • Prices with our coupons for Fosfomycin vs. Nitrofurantoin

    Learn more about Fosfomycin
    Learn more about Nitrofurantoin

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