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Drug Details

Macrobid Capsules 100mg B.P.

• Drug Class Description
  Nitrofurans.
• Generic Name
  Nitrofurantoin
• Presentation
  Capsules, nitrofurantoin (as macrocrystals and monohydrate) 100 mg .
• Description
  Blue/yellow modified-release capsules marked Eaton BID.
• Indications
  Urinary tract infections, pyelitis, prophylaxis in genito- urinary surgery.
• Adult Dosage
  1 twice daily with food for  1 twice daily with food for 7 days. Prophylaxis, 1 twice daily for 4 days, starting on day of procedure.
• Child Dosage
  Not applicable.
• Contra Indications
  

  Patients with known hypersensitivity to nitrofurantoin or other nitrofurans.

  Patients suffering from renal dysfunction with a creatinine clearance of less than 60 ml/minute or elevated serum creatinine.

  G6PD deficiency

  Acute porphyria.

  In infants under three months of age as well as pregnant patients at term (during labour and delivery) because of the theoretical possibility of haemolytic anaemia in the foetus or in the newborn infant due to immature erythrocyte enzyme systems.

• Special Precautions
  

  Monitor pulmonary, neurological and hepatic function during long term therapy and in the elderly. Anaemia, diabetes, electrolyte imbalance, vitamin B deficiency, debilitation. Lactation.

• Interactions
  

  1. Increased absorption with food or agents delaying gastric emptying.

  2. Decreased absorption with magnesium trisilicate.

  3. Decreased renal excretion of Nitrofurantoin by probenecid and Sulphinpyrazone.

  4. Decreased anti-bacterial activity by carbonic anhydrase inhibitors and urine alkalisation.

  5. Anti-bacterial antagonism by quinolone anti-infectives.

  6. Interference with some tests for glucose in urine.

  7. As Nitrofurantoin belongs to a group of anti-bacterials and will have the following interactions:

  Oestrogens: In common with other antibiotics, nitrofurantoin may affect the gut flora, leading to lower oestrogen reabsorption and reduced efficacy of oestrogen-containing contraceptive products. Therefore, patients should be warned appropriately and extra contraceptive precautions taken.

  Typhoid vaccine (oral): Antibacterials inactivate oral typhoid vaccine.

• Adverse Drug Reactions
  

  Withdraw if symptoms of pulmonary reactions, hepatitis, haemolysis or peripheral neuropathy occur. GI upset, anorexia, allergic reactions, blood dyscrasias.