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Compare Macrobid vs. Zithromax

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

Key takeaways

Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid) and Azithromycin (Zithromax) are both antibiotics, but they treat different types of infections and belong to different drug classes. Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid) is a nitrofuran antibiotic primarily used to treat or prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs). It works by collecting in your urine and killing bacteria in the urinary tract. On the other hand, Azithromycin (Zithromax) is a macrolide antibiotic used to treat a variety of infections, including strep throat, sinus infections, pneumonia, and urethra or cervix infections. It stops bacteria from making certain proteins, preventing them from growing and spreading. Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid) is typically taken multiple times a day with food, while Azithromycin (Zithromax) is usually taken once daily, often for a shorter duration of 3 to 5 days. Both medications have generic versions available. Common side effects of Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid) include nausea and headache, whereas Azithromycin (Zithromax) often causes diarrhea and stomach pain. Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid) is not suitable for people with severe kidney problems or those in the last weeks of pregnancy, while Azithromycin (Zithromax) should be used cautiously in individuals with severe liver problems or certain heart conditions.

  • Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid)
    Azithromycin (Zithromax)
  • Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid)
    Azithromycin (Zithromax)

  • Summary of Macrobid vs. Zithromax

    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.

    Summary for Macrolide antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Azithromycin (Zithromax) is a macrolide antibiotic. It's used to treat many types of infections in children and adults, including strep throat, sinus infection, and pneumonia. Azithromycin (Zithromax) is taken by mouth once daily. Typically, the length of treatment ranges from 3 to 5 days, depending on the type of infection you have. For convenience, azithromycin (Zithromax) also comes pre-packaged as Z-Pak. Some of the more common side effects of azithromycin (Zithromax) include diarrhea, stomach pain, and nausea.

  • Indications of Macrobid vs. Zithromax

    Indications for
    •Treatment or prevention of urinary tract infections
    Indications for

    Adults

    Azithromycin (Zithromax) can treat certain types of:

    •Sudden worsening of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) from a bacterial infection
    •Bronchitis
    •Sinus infections
    •Pneumonia
    •Strep throat
    •Tonsil infections
    •Skin infections (e.g., cellulitis)
    •Urethra or cervix infections
    •Genital ulcer disease (chancroid)

    Children

    Azithromycin (Zithromax) can treat certain types of:

    •Ear infections (ages 6 months and older)
    •Pneumonia (ages 6 months and older)
    •Strep throat (ages 2 years and older)
    •Tonsil infections (ages 2 years and older)

  • Pros and Cons of Macrobid vs. Zithromax

    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
    Pros and Const for Macrolide antibiotic
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth once daily
    •Treatment typically lasts only 3 to 5 days
    •Comes as a liquid; good option for people who've trouble swallowing tablets
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Might not be the best choice for people with severe liver problems or certain heart problems
    •Can cause stomach-related side effects, like diarrhea and stomach pain
    •Some bugs might be resistant to azithromycin (Zithromax)

  • Common Side Effects of Macrobid vs. Zithromax

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (8%)
    •Headache (6%)
    •Gas (2%)
    Common Side Effects for

    Adults

    •Diarrhea (4-5%)
    •Nausea (3%)
    •Stomach pain (2-3%)

    Children

    •Diarrhea (2-6%)
    •Vomiting (1-6%)
    •Stomach pain (1-3%)

  • Warnings of Macrobid vs. Zithromax

    Common Side Effects for
    •Lung damage
    •Liver damage
    •Nerve damage (neuropathy)
    •Breakdown of red blood cells (hemolytic anemia)
    •Severe diarrhea
    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe allergic and skin reactions
    •Liver damage
    •Heart rhythm problems (QT prolongation)
    •Possible higher risk of death from heart problems
    •Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection
    •Worsening of certain muscle problems (myasthenia gravis)
    •Doesn't treat syphilis

  • Prices with our coupons for Macrobid vs. Zithromax

    Learn more about Nitrofurantoin
    Learn more about Azithromycin

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