MacroBid MR

What is MacroBid?

MacroBid is an antibiotic containing nitrofurantoin which is used to clear up urinary tract infections (UTIs). 

How does MacroBid work?

When you take MacroBid, it is filtered through the body directly to the urine where it works by killing the bacteria at the sight of the infection. 

How long does it take for MacroBid to work?

MacroBid will relieve your symptoms within a few days. You'll usually take it for seven days and it's important to finish the course of tablets even after you feel better to ensure that the infection is completely gone. 

Active ingredients

Nitrofurantoin is the active ingredient in MacroBid. 

Inactive ingredients

The inactive ingredients are talc, corn starch, lactose, carbopol, povidone, sugar and magnesium stearate. 

How to take MacroBid

MacroBid is usually taken twice a day. You should leave 12 hours between your morning and evening dose. If you are taking MacroBid four times a day then ensure your doses are spaced evenly throughout the day. The tablets should be swallowed whole with a glass of water preferably with food. If you struggle to swallow pills a liquid version of MacroBid can be prescribed. 

MacroBid dosage

MacroBid is usually given as a 100mg dose taken twice a day. You may be prescribed with a 50mg tablet to take four times a day. 

Can MacroBid be crushed/divided when taking?

MacroBid should be swallowed whole with the capsules intact. If they are crushed or split before taking them then this may prevent the medicine from being absorbed correctly by the body, lessening the effectiveness of the drug. 

What if I take too many MacroBid tablets?

If you take an extra dose of MacroBid it's not usually anything to worry about. If you have taken more than 2 tablets or experience any side effects then speak to a doctor or pharmacist for advice. 

MacroBid side effects

Possible side effects from taking MacroBid include: 

• Nausea
• Headaches
• Vomiting
• Stomach ache
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness 
• Drowsiness
• Affected blood cells or spinal cord muscles
• Skin rashes 
• Severe headaches caused by raised pressure in the skull 
• Temporary hair loss 
• Dark coloured urine

If you experience any of the following side effects see a doctor right away:

• Fever
• Chills
• Shortness of breath
• A cough

These are signs of the medicine having an affect on your lungs.

• Jaundice 
• Weakness and Bruising (a sign of a reduction in the red blood cells) 
• A blue or purple colouring of the skin
• Flu-like symptoms 
• Joint pain, abdominal pain, swelling and fatigue
• Allergic reaction (swelling of the face, tongue, lips etc, difficulty breathing, wheezing, rash)  

Contraindications

You shouldn't take MacroBid if: 

• You are allergic to any of the ingredients 
• You have kidney problems
• You are at the end of your pregnancy 
• You have a blood disorder called porphyria 
• You have G6PD or are breastfeeding a baby with this disorder

Consult your doctor if: 

• You have diabetes 
• You have anemia 
• You have a condition which causes fatigue 
• You have kidney problems 
• Your body is lacking in the glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase enzyme 
• You have a disease of the liver, lungs or nervous system
• You have dark coloured urine 

Drug interactions

The following medicines may interact with MacroBid: 

• Antacids
• Treatments for gout
• Treatments for raised eye pressure (such as Glaucoma)
• Treatments for quinolones
• Treatments which make the urine less acidic 
• Typhoid vaccine

How to cope with MacroBid side effects

Drinking lot of water, in small frequent sips, will help to maintain your fluid intake if you experience vomiting or diarrhea. Get plenty of rest and don't overexert yourself. Painkillers like Paracetamol and Ibuprofen can be taken alongside MacroBid for headaches. Keep eating small meals at your usual times if your appetite has disappeared and avoid rich, spicy food if you become nauseous. Avoid driving or operating machinery if you feel dizzy or drowsy after taking MacroBid.

MacroBid and alcohol

Drinking alcohol will not have an effect on MacroBid. However, it's advised that you avoid drinking alcohol if you have a urinary tract infection. It is important to stay hydrated if you have a UTI and alcohol can make a UTI worse. 

MacroBid and pregnancy

It's generally safe to take MacroBid during pregnancy but it should not be taken too close to childbirth as it may have an effect on the baby's blood. If you are breastfeeding then check with your doctor before taking MacroBid as it may not be suitable for certain babies, e.g if they have a rare glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. 

Does MacroBid cause thrush?

MacroBid could cause thrush if it is used continuously, for example for repeated bouts of UTIs. If this happens then speak to your doctor or pharmacist for an appropriate treatment.  

MacroBid vs Nitrofurantoin

Nitrofurantoin is the generic name for the antibiotic used to treat urinary tract infections. MacroBid is a brand of Nitrofurantoin so both medicines are essentially the same. 

How to avoid UTIs

There are steps you can take to reduce your chances of getting a UTI. Drinking plenty of water flushes out the urethra and dilutes the urine, getting rid of bacteria. Clear coloured urine is a healthy sign that your body is adequately hydrated. After using the toilet, always wipe from front to back and pass urine as soon as possible after sexual intercourse. Avoid feminine hygiene products like deodorants, scented soaps and douches as they can cause irritation. If you use a diaphragm or a spermicide method of contraception then you may wish to consider an alternative.

Can cranberry juice help UTIs?

There are some studies which suggest that drinking cranberry juice regularly can help to manage UTIs. The berries contain A-type proanthocyanidins which are thought to prevent bacteria from attaching to the urethra. However, there is no solid evidence that cranberry juice does prevent or help a UTI. Cranberry juice also has a high sugar content so it should be drank in conjunction with a balanced diet. 

Is MacroBid an antibiotic?

MacroBid is an antibiotic used to treat UTIs (urinary tract infections.) The generic name for this medicine is Nitrofurantoin and it is filtered out of your blood into the urine so it can kill the bacteria in the urethra. 

Does MacroBid treat kidney infections?

MacroBid can also be prescribed to treat a kidney infection. If you are taking the antibiotic for a kidney infection the treatment will usually last for 7-14 days. 

Can MacroBid be used for any other infections?

MacroBid is not suitable for other types of infections due to the way it isolates the urinary tract. Your doctor will prescribe you with the appropriate antibiotic to treat your infection. 

Sources

• NHS > Nitrofurantoin
• NHS > Kidney Infection Treatment
• Mayoclinic > UTI Symptoms
• WedMD > MacroBid Oral