Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Nitrofurantoin vs. Elmiron

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

Key takeaways

Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid) and Elmiron (pentosan) are both prescription medications, but they serve different purposes and belong to different drug classes. Nitrofurantoin is a nitrofuran antibiotic used to treat or prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) by killing bacteria in the urinary tract. It is available in both brand and lower-cost generic forms. Common side effects include nausea, headache, and gas. On the other hand, Elmiron is a urinary analgesic used to relieve bladder pain and discomfort caused by bladder pain syndrome (interstitial cystitis). It is not the first-choice treatment for this condition and can take 3 to 6 months to start working. Elmiron does not have a generic version and can cause side effects like hair loss, nausea, and changes in vision. While Nitrofurantoin is taken with food to improve absorption and reduce stomach upset, Elmiron should be taken on an empty stomach to ensure effectiveness. Additionally, Elmiron carries a risk of causing bleeding and permanent eye damage, which are not associated with Nitrofurantoin.

  • Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid)
    Elmiron (pentosan)
  • Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid)
    Elmiron (pentosan)

  • Summary of Nitrofurantoin vs. Elmiron

    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 Urinary analgesic
    Prescription only

    Elmiron (pentosan) is a urinary analgesic used to treat bladder pain and discomfort caused by bladder pain syndrome (interstitial cystitis). This medication has been studied in people 16 years and older. The usual dosage is 1 capsule taken by mouth three times a day. Potential side effects include nausea and hair loss. More serious side effects can include eye damage like changes in the retina and vision problems.

  • Indications of Nitrofurantoin vs. Elmiron

    Indications for
    •Treatment or prevention of urinary tract infections
    Indications for
    •Bladder pain and discomfort caused by bladder pain syndrome (interstitial cystitis)

  • Pros and Cons of Nitrofurantoin vs. Elmiron

    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 Urinary analgesic
    Pros
    •Only oral medication approved by the FDA for bladder pain syndrome
    •Can relieve bladder discomfort and pain
    •Can be used in people 16 years and older
    Cons
    •Must be taken 3 times per day
    •Can take 3 to 6 months to start working
    •Needs to be taken on an empty stomach

  • Common Side Effects of Nitrofurantoin vs. Elmiron

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (8%)
    •Headache (6%)
    •Gas (2%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Hair loss (4%)
    •Diarrhea (4%)
    •Nausea (4%)
    •Headache (3%)
    •Rash (3%)
    •Stomach pain (2%)
    •Upset stomach (2%)
    •Abnormal liver tests (1%)
    •Dizziness (1%)

  • Warnings of Nitrofurantoin vs. Elmiron

    Common Side Effects for
    •Lung damage
    •Liver damage
    •Nerve damage (neuropathy)
    •Breakdown of red blood cells (hemolytic anemia)
    •Severe diarrhea
    Common Side Effects for
    •Changes in the retina of the eye (pigmentary maculopathy)
    •Risk of bleeding
    •Risk of liver problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Nitrofurantoin vs. Elmiron

    Learn more about Nitrofurantoin
    Learn more about Elmiron

Compare other Urinary Tract Infection and Cystitis drugs

Fosfomycin vs NitrofurantoinNitrofurantoin vs AmoxicillinNitrofurantoin vs BactrimNitrofurantoin vs ElmironUrispas vs NitrofurantoinAmoxicillin vs PenicillinAugmentin vs AmoxicillinAugmentin vs BactrimAzithromycin vs AmoxicillinBactrim vs AmoxicillinBactrim vs CefdinirBactrim vs CiproBactrim vs ClindamycinBactrim vs KeflexCefdinir vs AmoxicillinCephalexin vs AmoxicillinDoxycycline Hyclate vs AmoxicillinDoxycycline vs BactrimErythromycin vs AmoxicillinFlagyl vs BactrimLevaquin vs BactrimMacrobid vs BactrimMacrodantin vs BactrimMalarone vs BactrimMetronidazole vs AmoxicillinMinocycline vs BactrimPenicillin vs BactrimSivextro vs BactrimSpectracef vs BactrimVancocin vs Bactrim
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.