What Is Macrobid Used For

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) is an antibiotic that is used to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs). UTIs are infections of the bladder, kidneys, urethra, or ureters that are caused by bacteria. Macrobid is effective at killing the bacteria that cause UTIs and is usually taken in the form of a capsule or a liquid.

Macrobid is usually taken once or twice a day, depending on the specific formulation and the severity of the infection.

It is important to take Macrobid exactly as directed by your healthcare provider and to finish the entire course of treatment, even if your symptoms improve. It is important to note that Macrobid is not effective against all types of bacteria and is not a suitable treatment for infections that are caused by viruses, such as the common cold or flu. If you have an infection that is not responding to treatment with Macrobid, you should contact your healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance.

What If Macrobid Doesn't Work For UTI?

If Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) does not work to treat your urinary tract infection (UTI), there are several possible reasons why this may have occurred. Some possible reasons include:

1. The infection is caused by a type of bacteria that is resistant to Macrobid: Macrobid is not effective against all types of bacteria, and some strains of bacteria may be resistant to the medication. If your UTI is caused by a type of bacteria that is resistant to Macrobid, the medication may not be effective at treating the infection.
2. You have not taken the medication as prescribed: It is important to take Macrobid exactly as directed by your clinician and to finish the entire course of treatment, even if your symptoms improve. If you do not take the medication as prescribed, it may not be effective at treating the infection.
3. You have a severe or complicated UTI: Macrobid is usually effective at treating UTIs that are caused by certain types of bacteria, but it may not be suitable for more severe or complicated infections. If you have a severe or complicated UTI, you may need to take a different type of antibiotic or a combination of antibiotics to effectively treat the infection. If Macrobid is not effective at treating your UTI, you should contact your clinician for further evaluation and guidance. They may recommend a different treatment option or suggest additional tests to determine the cause of the infection.

Macrobid For UTI - How Long To Feel Better?

The length of time it takes to feel better after starting treatment with Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) for a urinary tract infection (UTI) will depend on several factors, including the severity of the infection, the type of bacteria causing the infection, and your overall health. Some people may start to feel better within a few days of starting treatment, while it may take others longer to experience improvement.

It is important to take Macrobid exactly as directed by your clinician and to finish the entire course of treatment, even if your symptoms improve. If you do not take the medication as prescribed, it may not be effective at treating the infection and your symptoms may not improve.

If you do not start to feel better within a few days of starting treatment with Macrobid, or if your symptoms worsen, you should contact your healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance. They may recommend a different treatment option or suggest additional tests to determine the cause of the infection.

How Long Do Side Effects Of Macrobid Last?

The length of time that side effects of Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) last will depend on several factors, including the specific side effect, your individual response to the medication, and your overall health. Some people may experience side effects that resolve quickly after starting treatment, while others may experience side effects that last for a longer period of time.

Common side effects of Macrobid include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain
• Loss of appetite

Less common side effects of Macrobid include:

• Rash
• Itching
• Hives
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

If you experience any side effects while taking Macrobid, you should contact your healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance. They can help you determine the best course of action based on your specific situation.

It is important to note that everyone reacts differently to medications and that not everyone will experience side effects. If you do experience side effects, they may be mild and resolve on their own, or they may be more severe and require medical attention.

Authored & Reviewed By

Mohamed Imran Lakhi

MPharm - Lead Pharmacist

Imran Lakhi is the superintendent pharmacist and founder at Prescription Doctor. He has been at the core of our team.

Published on: 09/01/2023 Reviewed on: 01/09/2023