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Macrobid

Macrobid (Nitrofurantoin): How It Works, How to Take It, and Side Effects

This antibiotic helps treat and prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Lauren Smith, MAChristina Aungst, PharmD, MWC
Written by Lauren Smith, MA | Reviewed by Christina Aungst, PharmD, MWC
Updated on April 9, 2025
Featuring Alyssa Billingsley, PharmDReviewed by Christina Aungst, PharmD, MWC | April 4, 2025

Macrobid (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.

References

Alembic Pharmaceuticals Inc. (2023). NITROFURANTOIN capsule. DailyMed.

Almatica Pharma LLC. (2020). MACROBID- nitrofurantoin monohydrate/macrocrystalline capsule. DailyMed.

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Lauren Smith, MA
Written by:
Lauren Smith, MA
Lauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.
Christina Aungst, PharmD, MWC is a senior pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019.

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