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Nitrofurantoin
Pronounced nye-tro-fyoo-RAN-toin
Brand names: Macrobid, Macrodantin
Type: Urinary antibiotic · All Antibiotics & Infection Medicines
What Nitrofurantoin is used for
- Bladder infections (cystitis)
- Preventing repeated bladder infections
◆ Kidney note
Avoided when kidney function is significantly reduced, because it builds up and also stops working well in urine.
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Headache
- Brown or dark urine color
- Diarrhea
Important cautions
- Only treats bladder infections — it does not reach kidney tissue or the bloodstream well enough for kidney infections
- Long-term use can injure the lungs, liver, or nerves — new breathlessness or nerve tingling should be reported
How it comes
Capsules. This guide lists forms only — it never lists strengths or doses.
Toxicity lists: Nitrofurantoin also appears on Medicines That Can Harm the Liver.
Related medicines — Antibiotics & Infection Medicines
Please note: This page is a patient-education summary, not medical advice, and it deliberately contains no doses. Medicines affect everyone differently — always follow your own prescription and talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping or changing any medicine.