Key takeaways:
Macrobid (nitrofurantoin monohydrate/macrocrystals) is a prescription antibiotic used to treat or prevent uncomplicated UTIs in adults and children ages 12 years and older.
Macrobid begins working within a few hours, but it should be taken for 5 to 7 days to fully treat an infection.
Macrobid is available as a lower-cost generic. GoodRx can help you save over 60% off the average retail price at certain pharmacies.
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If you suspect you have a urinary tract infection (UTI), it’s important to see a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment. Luckily, most UTIs are quick and easy to treat.
There are several antibiotics that can be used to cure a UTI with a prescription. Macrobid (nitrofurantoin monohydrate/macrocrystals) is one of the first-choice antibiotics recommended to treat uncomplicated UTIs.
If you're taking Macrobid for the first time, you probably have some questions. You may be wondering, how fast does Macrobid work for UTIs? For good reason, too — it’s natural to want the pain and discomfort to go away as soon as possible.
Here, we’ll discuss how quickly Macrobid can fix a UTI — plus some helpful tips on how to take it.
What is Macrobid?
Macrobid is a prescription antibiotic that’s FDA-approved to treat or prevent UTIs in adults and children ages 12 years and older. It’s available as a brand name and generic medication. This antibiotic most often comes in a 100 mg capsule, which is the twice daily dose used for treating UTIs.
Macrobid works by killing the bacteria in your bladder that caused the infection. More specifically, it prevents the bacteria from making the proteins it needs to survive.
Good to know: Macrobid is approved to treat lower urinary tract and bladder infections — not kidney infections (pyelonephritis). Kidney infections are a more serious and complicated form of a UTI.
5 pharmacist-backed tips for taking Macrobid
When taking any medication, it's important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully. This includes taking the medication as prescribed and at the proper times.
In addition to following their instructions, here are some tips you can follow to get the most out of your Macrobid prescription.
1. How fast does Macrobid work?
Macrobid starts going to work within a few hours of your first dose. However, it’s important to take the full course even if your symptoms start to improve. It needs a few days to have its full effect.
When you take Macrobid, it makes its way through your bloodstream to your urinary tract. Macrobid then concentrates in your urine where it fights off the bacteria in your bladder. It takes a few days to fully win this fight.
During this process, you may notice your urine will turn a brown color. Don’t be alarmed if this happens. It’s common for Macrobid to change the color of your urine, and it’s actually a sign that the medication has made it your bladder. This color change is temporary.
What’s more, if you have kidney problems, it may take longer for Macrobid to start working. Or it may not work at all. Be sure to discuss any kidney problems with your healthcare provider before you start taking Macrobid.
2. When is the best time to take Macrobid?
The recommended Macrobid dosage for UTI treatment is 100 mg (1 capsule) by mouth every 12 hours for 7 days. Your healthcare provider may also consider a shorter 5-day course, which is still effective. It’s important to stay on schedule with your daily doses so that Macrobid can fight off the bacteria in your bladder.
If you’re taking other medications that could affect the absorption of Macrobid, such as magnesium-containing antacids, you may need to space out when you take them. If they’re in your gut at the same time, Macrobid may be less effective. Speak with your healthcare provider or pharmacist so they can help figure out a dosing schedule that works best for you.
3. Should you take Macrobid with food?
Yes, Macrobid should be taken with food. Studies show that Macrobid is absorbed better and more effectively when you take it with a meal. The amount of Macrobid that reaches your bloodstream can go up by about 40% by taking it with food. That's a big difference.
Taking Macrobid with food may also help lessen abdominal side effects, such as nausea and vomiting.
4. What happens if you miss a dose of Macrobid?
We all forget to take our medications sometimes. If you miss a dose of Macrobid, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. As a reminder, don’t double up to make up for a missed one. Taking too much Macrobid can raise your risk of side effects.
Since Macrobid should be taken with food, you can use your meal times as a reminder to take your medication. You can consider taking Macrobid with breakfast and dinner so you’re less likely to forget. You could also try using a medication reminder app that alerts you when it’s time to take your daily doses.
If you need more help, reach out to your healthcare provider or pharmacist. They can offer more specific tips based on your own lifestyle.
5. How can you manage Macrobid side effects?
Macrobid is generally well tolerated, but like all medications, it can still cause side effects. The most common Macrobid side effects include:
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea
Loss of appetite
Headache
Gas
There are a few things you can do to manage Macrobid side effects. These include:
Taking Macrobid with food to lessen the chance of stomach-related side effects
Staying hydrated to help your kidneys clear Macrobid effectively
Telling your healthcare provider about any other medications or supplements you are taking to avoid interactions
Using a pill organizer to avoid taking too much or too little Macrobid
Avoiding holding in your urine for long periods of time
If you have severe side effects or any concerns about taking Macrobid, let your healthcare provider know as soon as you can.
If you accidentally take an extra dose of Macrobid, you should be OK. You may just experience a few extra side effects that should go away with time. People who have taken far too much Macrobid may experience more severe side effects, such as nerve pain or trouble breathing.
If you’ve taken too much Macrobid, it’s recommended to reach out to your healthcare provider for advice. Calling Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 is another option. Depending on your situation, they may recommend skipping your next dose or adjusting your dosing schedule moving forward. They can also offer side effect management tips, if needed.
How to save money on Macrobid
There are many ways to save on Macrobid, which is available as both a brand-name and generic medication. GoodRx can help you save over 60% off the average retail price of the generic version. Generic Macrobid’s price at certain pharmacies is as low as $7.69 with a free GoodRx discount.
The bottom line
Macrobid is a common and effective medication for treating uncomplicated UTIs. It typically starts to go to work within a few hours, but it’s important to take the full 5 to 7 day course of Macrobid as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Also, make sure to take Macrobid with food for better absorption and a lower risk of side effects.
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References
Lee, R. A., et al. (2021). Appropriate use of short-course antibiotics in common infections: Best practice advice from the American College of Physicians. Annals of Internal Medicine.
Quality Care Products. (2023). Nitrofurantoin monohydrate/macrocrystalline [package insert].
Singh, N., et al. (2015). Kidney function and the use of nitrofurantoin to treat urinary tract infections in older women. Canadian Medical Association Journal.
Squadrito, F. J., et al. (2019). Nitrofurantoin. StatPearls.
