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.
