Trimethoprim
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Nitrofurantoin
(Macrobid)
Get free couponsSummary 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
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
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