Trimethoprim vs. Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Trimethoprim

Nitrofurantoin

(Macrobid)

Summary for Trimethoprim

Prescription only

Trimethoprim is an antibiotic that's used to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs). It's available as a tablet that's taken by mouth either once or twice daily. Side effects include skin rash and itching.

Indications for Trimethoprim

Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

Pros and Cons for Trimethoprim

Pros

Available as a lower-cost generic medication
Can use if you have a sulfa allergy
Typically mild and tolerable side effects

Cons

Can make your skin more sensitive to the sun and raise your risk for sunburns
Not the best choice if you're pregnant or breastfeeding because of interactions with folic acid
Might not be the best option if you have kidney problems; might require dose adjustments

Common Side Effects for Trimethoprim

Rash
Itching

Warnings for Trimethoprim

Serious allergic reactions
Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection
Development of drug-resistant bacteria

Summary for Nitrofurantoin

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 for Nitrofurantoin

Treatment or prevention of urinary tract infections

Pros and Cons for Nitrofurantoin

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 for Nitrofurantoin

Nausea (8%)
Headache (6%)
Gas (2%)

Warnings for Nitrofurantoin

Lung damage
Liver damage
Nerve damage (neuropathy)
Breakdown of red blood cells (hemolytic anemia)
Severe diarrhea

Prices with our coupons for Trimethoprim vs. Nitrofurantoin

Trimethoprim90 tablets / 100mg

$44.49$75.77

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Nitrofurantoin14 capsules / 100mg

$15.73$46.33

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Trimethoprim vs. Nitrofurantoin

Trimethoprim

Nitrofurantoin

Summary for Trimethoprim

Indications for Trimethoprim

Pros and Cons for Trimethoprim

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Trimethoprim

Warnings for Trimethoprim

Summary for Nitrofurantoin

Indications for Nitrofurantoin

Pros and Cons for Nitrofurantoin

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Nitrofurantoin

Warnings for Nitrofurantoin

Prices with our coupons for Trimethoprim vs. Nitrofurantoin

Browse medications by letter

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Trimethoprim

Nitrofurantoin

Summary for Trimethoprim

Indications for Trimethoprim

Pros and Cons for Trimethoprim

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Trimethoprim

Warnings for Trimethoprim

Summary for Nitrofurantoin

Indications for Nitrofurantoin

Pros and Cons for Nitrofurantoin

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Nitrofurantoin

Warnings for Nitrofurantoin