Key takeaways
Flavoxate (Urispas) and Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid) are both used to address urinary issues, but they serve different purposes and belong to different drug classes. Flavoxate, an anticholinergic and antispasmodic, helps relieve urinary symptoms like painful urination and bladder control issues but does not treat the underlying infection. It must be taken 3 to 4 times a day and is not recommended for people over 65. On the other hand, Nitrofurantoin, a nitrofuran antibiotic, treats and prevents urinary tract infections (UTIs) by killing bacteria in the urinary tract. The capsule form is typically taken twice a day with food and the oral suspension form is taken four times daily with food. While Flavoxate can cause drowsiness and blurred vision, Nitrofurantoin may turn your urine dark yellow or brown and can cause nausea and headaches. Nitrofurantoin is also not suitable for people with severe liver or kidney problems and should be avoided in the last weeks of pregnancy. Both medications have generic versions available, making them more affordable options.
