Patients should be advised to take Macrodantin (nitrofurantoin macrocystals capsule) with food to further enhance tolerance and improve drug absorption. Patients should be instructed to complete the full course of therapy; however, they should be advised to contact their physician if any unusual symptoms occur during therapy.

Many patients who cannot tolerate microcrystalline nitrofurantoin are able to take Macrodantin (nitrofurantoin macrocystals capsule) without nausea.

Patients should be advised not to use antacid preparations containing magnesium trisilicate while taking Macrodantin (nitrofurantoin macrocystals capsule) .

Patients should be counseled that antibacterial drugs including Macrodantin (nitrofurantoin macrocystals capsule) should only be used to treat bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections (e.g., the common cold). When Macrodantin (nitrofurantoin macrocystals capsule) is prescribed to treat a bacterial infection, patients should be told that although it is common to feel better early in the course of therapy, the medication should be taken exactly as directed. Skipping doses or not completing the full course of therapy may (1) decrease the effectiveness of the immediate treatment and (2) increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance and will not be treatable by Macrodantin (nitrofurantoin macrocystals capsule) or other antibacterial drugs in the future.

Diarrhea is a common problem caused by antibiotics which usually ends when the antibiotic is discontinued. Sometimes after starting treatment with antibiotics, patients can develop watery and bloody stools (with or without stomach cramps and fever) even as late as two or more months after having taken the last dose of the antibiotic. If this occurs, patients should contact their physician as soon as possible.

Last reviewed on RxList: 4/15/2009
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.