Macrodantin vs. Bactrim

Macrodantin (nitrofurantoin) and Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim) are antibiotics prescribed to treat or prevent urinary tract infections.

Bactrim is also used to treat middle ear infection (acute otitis media), bronchitis, Shigellosis, Pneumocystis pneumonia, traveler's diarrhea, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and other bacterial infections.

Macrodantin and Bactrim are different types of antibiotics. Macrodantin is a nitrofuran antibiotic and Bactrim is a combination of a sulfonamide antibiotic (a “sulfa” drug) and a dihydrofolate reductase inhibitor.

Side effects of Macrodantin and Bactrim that are similar include nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.

Side effects of Macrodantin that are different from Bactrim include headache, itching, rash, upset stomach, diarrhea, rust-colored or brownish urine, and vaginal itching or discharge.

Side effects of Bactrim that are different from Macrodantin include painful or swollen tongue, dizziness, spinning sensation, ringing in your ears, tiredness, and sleep problems (insomnia).

Macrodantin may interact with antacids, magnesium salicylate, choline magnesium salicylate, and probenecid.

Bactrim may also interact with leucovorin and methotrexate.

Side effects of Macrodantin include:

• headache,
• itching,
• rash,
• nausea,
• upset stomach,
• vomiting,
• loss of appetite,
• diarrhea,
• rust-colored or brownish urine, or
• vaginal itching or discharge.

Common side effects of Bactrim include:

• loss of appetite,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• painful or swollen tongue,
• dizziness,
• spinning sensation,
• ringing in your ears,
• tiredness, or
• sleep problems (insomnia).

Tell your doctor if you experience serious side effects of Bactrim including:

• bruising or bleeding,
• aplastic anemia,
• jaundice,
• hepatic necrosis,
• mouth sores,
• joint aches,
• severe skin rashes,
• itching, and
• sore throat.

Macrodantin (nitrofurantoin) is an antibiotic prescribed to treat or prevent urinary tract infections. Macrodantin is available in generic form.

Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim) DS is a combination of two antibiotics used to treat urinary tract infections, acute otitis media, bronchitis, Shigellosis, Pneumocystis pneumonia, traveler's diarrhea, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and other bacterial infections susceptible to this antibiotic. Bactrim is available as a generic drug.

Macrobid may also interact with magnesium salicylate or choline magnesium salicylate.

Bactrim may interact with blood thinners, cyclosporine, methotrexate, oral diabetes medications, and seizure medications.

Bactrim may also interact with antidepressants, digoxin, diuretics (water pills), indomethacin, leucovorin, calcium folinate, and heart or blood pressure medications.

Macrodantin should be given with food to improve drug absorption and, in some patients, tolerance. Adults should take 50-100 mg four times a day-the lower dosage level is recommended for uncomplicated urinary tract infections.

Administer the solution by intravenous infusion over a period of 60 to 90 minutes. Avoid administration by rapid infusion or bolus injection. Do NOT administer Bactrim intramuscularly.