7/21/2018 Macrobid, Macrodantin (nitrofurantoin) dosing, indications, interactions, adverse effects, and more

This site is intended for healthcare professionals

nitrofurantoin (Rx)
Brand and Other Names: Macrobid, Macrodantin, Furadantin
Classes: Antibiotics, Other

Dosing & Uses

Adult Pediatric

Dosage Forms & Strengths

capsule, macrocrystals

25mg
50mg
100mg

capsule, monohydrate/macrocystals

100 mg

oral suspension

25mg/5mL

Urinary Tract Infection

Susceptible strains of Escherichia coli, Enterobacter spp, Klebsiella spp, Staphylococcus aureus, and
S saprophyticus

Macrocrystals (Macrodantin, Furadantin, and equivalents): 50-100 mg PO q6hr for 7 days or for 3
days after obtaining sterile urine

Monohydrate/macrocrystals (Macrobid and equivalents): 100 mg PO q12hr for 7 days or for 3 days
after obtaining sterile urine

Long-term prophylaxis/suppression: 50-100 mg macrocrystals PO HS for up to 12 months

Dosing Considerations
Avoid for long-term UTI suppression; possible pulmonary toxicity; safer alternatives are available

Not drug of choice in elderly because of unfavorable side-effect profile

Loses effectiveness in patients with CrCl <60 mL/min due to inadequate urine concentration (Beers
criteria)

Monitor renal function; renally excreted; decreased renal function more likely in elderly

Monitor liver function and possible pulmonary reactions

Take with food or milk

https://reference.medscape.com/drug/macrobid-macrodantin-nitrofurantoin-342567#0 1/2
7/21/2018 Macrobid, Macrodantin (nitrofurantoin) dosing, indications, interactions, adverse effects, and more

Dual release macrocrystals indicated only for patients >12 years for acute UTIs (cystitis) caused by E
coli or S saprophyticus

Dosage Forms & Strengths

capsule, macrocrystals

25mg
50mg
100mg

capsule, monohydrate/macrocrystals

100 mg

oral suspension

25mg/5mL

Urinary Tract Infection

>1 month

5-7 mg/kg/day PO divided q6hr for 7 days

UTI prophylaxis: 1-2 mg/kg PO qHS or 2 divided doses

>12 years

Macrocrystals (Macrodantin, Furadantin, and equivalents): 50-100 mg PO q6hr for 7 days or for
3 days after obtaining sterile urine
Monohydrate/macrocrystals (Macrobid and equivalents): 100 mg PO q12hr for 7 days or for 3
days after obtaining sterile urine
Long-term prophylaxis/suppression: 50-100 mg macrocrystals PO HS for up to 12 months

Dosing Considerations
Avoid for long-term UTI suppression; possible pulmonary toxicity; safer alternatives are available

Loses effectiveness in patients with CrCl <60 mL/min due to inadequate urine concentration (Beers
criteria)

Monitor renal function; renally excreted; decreased renal function more likely in elderly

Monitor liver function

Take with food or milk

Dual release macrocrystals indicated only for patients >12 years for acute UTIs (cystitis) caused by E
coli or S saprophyticus

https://reference.medscape.com/drug/macrobid-macrodantin-nitrofurantoin-342567#0 2/2