Macrobid (Nitrofurantoin) 100mg Capsules

From £23.99

Macrobid is an antibacterial medication used to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by bacteria.

Expected Delivery:
Tuesday, 31 December 2024

Medication features:

  • Treats bacterial infection that causes cystitis
  • Contains Nitrofurantoin
  • Taken in tablet form

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Macrobid Prices

Below you will find a complete list of our Macrobid prices. Prices vary depending on strength and package size.

Strength 6 tablets
100 mg £23.99

Prices include free private prescription.

Treatment Information

Overview

Buy Macrobid Online UK

You can order Macrobid online in the UK from our registered pharmacy. Complete the online medical assessment to be reviewed by one of our prescribers. If approved, your medication will be dispensed by our pharmacy team for next day delivery to your address. 

About Macrobid

Macrobid is an oral antibiotic used to treat urinary tract infection or cystitis and contains the active ingredient Nitrofurantoin. 

Cystitis is an uncomfortable urinary tract infection which occurs when the bladder becomes infected for a number of potential reasons including:

  • sex or using a diaphragm
  • after having a catheter
  • wiping from back to front when using the toilet

Your chances of developing cystitis are also raised if:

  • you are pregnant
  • you have diabetes
  • you have weakened immunity
  • you are less than a year or above 75

Macrobid Summary Information

Type of medicine

Cystitis treatment

Use

Treats urinary tract infections caused by bacteria

How it works

Kills bacteria and prevents their growth

Active Ingredient

Nitrofurantoin

Directions of use

Oral, usually taken with food

Available strengths

100mg

Side effects

Common side effects include Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, darkened urine, fever with shortness of breath

Generic

Yes

The information provided in the summary table is for reference only. It is important to consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any cystitis treatment, including Macrobid.

How effective is Macrobid?

Macrobid’s active ingredient is nitrofurantoin which was FDA-approved in 1953, making it a well-studied, safe, long-term option for anyone suffering from a UTI. Although newer antibiotics have come on to the market since this time, there has been an increase in resistance to them, whereas there is very low resistance still to Macrobid’s active ingredient despite its longevity. As such many have begun using Macrobid as the first-line therapy for cystitis once again.

What is contained in Macrobid?

The active ingredient in Macrobid is nitrofurantoin in the ratio of 25% macrocrystallinenitrofurantoin and 75% nitrofurantoin monohydrate.

The inactive ingredients are:

  • carbomer 934P
  • corn starch
  • compressible sugar
  • D&C Yellow No. 10
  • edible grey ink
  • FD&C Blue No. 1
  • FD&C Red No. 40
  • gelatin
  • lactose
  • magnesium stearate
  • povidone, talc
  • titanium dioxide.

If you have a lactose allergy or intolerance, then ensure you let your doctor know before using this medication.

How does Macrobid work?

When you take the antibiotic Macrobid the kidneys filter the medication out of the bloodstream and into the urine, meaning the treatment is where it is needed most, the urinary tract. Macrobid’s active ingredient damages the bacteria's cell wall, entering the cell itself and destroying its DNA. The bacteria is then unable to multiply or repair itself, and in turn, the infection is destroyed and clears up.

Directions

How should I take Macrobid?

Your doctor will be able to give you the necessary directions for how best to take your Macrobid prescription, including dosage. It is usually taken twice a day, and it is recommended that you take it at the same time - once in the morning and once in the evening. This will ensure the amount of the antibiotic in your body remains even and can continue working at the optimum level to destroy the infection.

Take Macrobid with food to decrease the possibility of side effects or nausea, and avoid taking indigestion tablets containing magnesium, as they can lower the effectiveness of the medication.

If you start to feel better within a couple of days, do continue to take the medication to completion because the infection can reoccur if you stop too soon.

How long can I take Macrobid for?

Macrobid is usually prescribed for 3 to 7 days though it can be used on a longer-term basis when needed for patients who suffer from recurring UTIs, as this helps to control the bacteria found in urine. Whilst highly effective in dealing with cystitis, taking the medication longterm needs to be reviewed regularly by your doctor to stop any side effects, such as problems with the liver.

Cautions

What are the side effects of Macrobid?

Medicines can cause side effects in some patients and none in others. Whilst some side effects can be common with Macrobid, they tend to be mild enough not to stop a patient from taking it.

The side effects most commonly associated with Macrobid include:

  • nausea
  • stomach pains
  • decreased appetite
  • diarrhoea and/or vomiting
  • darkened urine (though this is not harmful)
  • dizziness or fatigue

If any side effects are worrying you or causing problems, then contact your doctor. Seek medical help right away if you experience more severe issues, including:

  • numbness or tingling
  • vomiting or itching
  • fever with shortness of breath and pain in the chest
  • a severe headache
  • swelling of the lips or throat

Other warnings to consider

Macrobid may interact with medications containing magnesium salicylate and choline magnesium salicylate. Drugs which interfere with one another can either affect how well one of them works or even cause dangerous side effects. As such, if you take anything containing these drugs, then be sure to let the doctor know before beginning the treatment.

Macrobid cannot be used for patients who have liver or kidney issues or those who are near-term in their pregnancy.

Always read the patient information leaflet before starting your treatment. The patient information can be found here.

Faq

What is the difference between Macrobid Capsules and Nitrofurantoin?

While both Macrobid and Nitrofurantoin are effectively used for the treatment of urinary tract infections, the main difference is branding. Macrobid is the branded version of Nitrofurantoin.

Can I stop taking Macrobid Capsules if I begin to feel better?

You should always complete your course of Macrobid Capsules even if you begin to feel better. This is to ensure there are no remaining strains of bacteria in cells which could reproduce and grow causing reinfection.

What should I do if I forget to take my dose of Macrobid Capsules?

If you forget to take your dose of Macrobid Capsules you should take them as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. If it is almost time for your next dose you skip the dose you just missed and continue as normal. You should never take two doses at once, even if you are making up for a missed dose.

Macrobid Reviews

Related Cystitis Treatment advice & articles

Available strengths:

100 mg

Quantity:

Price £23.99

Includes free private prescriptions

Out of stock

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