You can purchase nitrofurantoin at most local and online pharmacies with a valid prescription from a licensed provider.

In need of a prescription? You can get a UTI antibiotic prescription after an appointment with a Sesame provider. The provider will review your medical history and current symptoms to determine if you would benefit from a nitrofurantoin prescription.

If approved, your prescription can be sent to a local pharmacy for same-day pickup, where available.

Nitrofurantoin is a prescription antibiotic. It is used to treat and prevent urinary tract infections.

Nitrofurantoin concentrates in the urine and should only be used for uncomplicated lower UTIs. It is not for infections that have spread to the kidneys or prostate. While they occur more frequently in women, men also get UTIs.

Macrobid and Macrodantin are both prescription antibiotics that contain nitrofurantoin and treat urinary tract infections.

Macrobid contains nitrofurantoin monohydrate and macrocrystals. The monohydrate dissolves to form a gel that slowly releases the medicine over time. Macrobid formulations are taken twice a day. Macrobid is often easier on the stomach as it is dosed less frequently.

Macrodantin contains nitrofurantoin macrocrystals. These large crystals help slow down the absorption in the body. Macrodantin is available in generic form. Nitrofurantoin is also available as an oral suspension (brand name Furadantin). It is taken four times a day.

There are no interactions between certain foods and nitrofurantoin; however, certain foods may cause further bladder irritation or increase the risk of side effects.

Nitrofurantoin should be taken with food or a glass of milk. Food helps to increase the absorption of nitrofurantoin, which can make it more effective.

Certain foods can irritate the bladder. It is best to avoid these foods until your infection has cleared. These include:

• Caffeine
• Spicy foods
• Acidic foods (tomatoes, citrus fruits)
• Sugary processed foods and drinks

Alcohol should also be avoided while taking antibiotics for a UTI. Alcohol can irritate the bladder and decrease the immune system’s ability to fight the infection. Alcohol also makes the urine more acidic, which can worsen your UTI symptoms.

The cash price of nitrofurantoin can vary depending on your location, medication quantity, and strength.

Nitrofurantoin is usually a medication you need to start taking quickly, so while online pharmacies may be cheaper, they may not be the best option in this case. You can check several local pharmacies for the lowest price. The pharmacist may also be able to recommend a savings card to help lower the price.

In people who frequently get urinary tract infections, nitrofurantoin can be taken as a preventive. It is usually given once daily at bedtime to prevent infections. The patient should be regularly monitored to watch for signs of liver damage, lung inflammation, and peripheral neuropathy, as these are more likely to occur with prolonged use. The provider should also re-evaluate the need for continued use.

For women who frequently get a urinary tract infection after sexual intercourse, nitrofurantoin can be given as a one-time dose after sex.

Nitrofurantoin should be used cautiously in people with a G6PD deficiency, kidney disease, or liver disease.

Antibiotic use can destroy harmful bacteria as well as good bacteria. This can cause a secondary infection, also known as a superinfection. Common examples of superinfections include C. diff, which can cause severe watery diarrhea, and oral thrush, which is a fungal infection of the mouth. If you develop signs of a new infection, reach out to your provider right away.

Nitrofurantoin is safe to use during pregnancy, except when close to delivery. It should not be used after 38 weeks or during labor or delivery. It should also be avoided in nursing mothers with infants under 1 month old and should be avoided by nursing mothers with infants who have a G6PD deficiency.

Always tell your provider about all prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements you take.

Nitrofurantoin can interact with the following medications:

• Gout medication
• Live vaccines
• Magnesium trisilicate (found in the antacid Gaviscon)