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Compare Trimethoprim vs. Nitrofurantoin

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

  • Trimethoprim
    Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid)
  • Trimethoprim
    Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid)

  • Summary of Trimethoprim vs. Nitrofurantoin

    Summary for Antifolate antibiotic
    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.

    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.

  • Indications of Trimethoprim vs. Nitrofurantoin

    Indications for
    •Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
    Indications for
    •Treatment or prevention of urinary tract infections

  • Pros and Cons of Trimethoprim vs. Nitrofurantoin

    Pros and Const for Antifolate antibiotic
    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
    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

  • Common Side Effects of Trimethoprim vs. Nitrofurantoin

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

  • Warnings of Trimethoprim vs. Nitrofurantoin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Serious allergic reactions
    •Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection
    •Development of drug-resistant bacteria
    Common Side Effects for
    •Lung damage
    •Liver damage
    •Nerve damage (neuropathy)
    •Breakdown of red blood cells (hemolytic anemia)
    •Severe diarrhea

  • Prices with our coupons for Trimethoprim vs. Nitrofurantoin

    Learn more about Trimethoprim
    Learn more about Nitrofurantoin

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