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Macrobid (Nitrofurantoin): How It Works, How to Take It, and Side Effects
This antibiotic helps treat and prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Written by Lauren Smith, MA | Reviewed by Christina Aungst, PharmD
Published on April 9, 2025Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) is a type of medication called a nitrofuran antibiotic. It helps treat UTIs, or urinary tract infections. These medications work by collecting in your urine and then damaging the proteins that the bacteria need to survive, which kills the bacteria.
Additional Medical Contributors
- Alyssa Billingsley, PharmDAlyssa Billingsley, PharmD, is a pharmacist on the GoodRx team with a decade of experience. She is also an adjunct faculty at St. Louis College of Pharmacy, where she graduated with a doctorate in pharmacy. She is licensed to practice in Missouri and is a member of the National Council of Prescription Drug Programs (NCPDP) and the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS). Prior to GoodRx, Alyssa worked in both clinical and administrative roles. She was recognized with the Distinguished Alumnus Outstanding Achievement Award in 2017 for her work in developing pharmacy programs to expand patient access to quality medications.
References
Alembic Pharmaceuticals Inc. (2023). NITROFURANTOIN capsule. DailyMed.
Almatica Pharma LLC. (2020). MACROBID- nitrofurantoin monohydrate/macrocrystalline capsule. DailyMed.
View All References (2)
Muller, A. E., et al. (2016). Nitrofurantoin's efficacy and safety as prophylaxis for urinary tract infections: A systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis of controlled trials. Clinical Microbiology and Infection.
Squadrito, F. J., et al. (2022). Nitrofurantoin. StatPearls.
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