What it means
A urinary antibacterial. It reaches useful levels only in the urine, so it treats simple bladder infections but not kidney infections or infections elsewhere in the body. It can turn the urine dark yellow or brown, which is harmless. Rare but serious effects with long use include lung reactions, liver injury and nerve damage in the hands and feet.
For the nurse
Give with food or milk to lessen stomach upset and help absorption. Teach the client to finish the full course and to report cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, or numbness or tingling. It works poorly and is more harmful when kidney function is low, which is why the Beers Criteria caution against it in some older adults.
At a glance
| Drug class | urinary antibacterial |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Macrobid, Macrodantin |
| Spanish | nitrofurantoína |
| Also written | Macrobid, Macrodantin |
Related terms
urinary tract infection
An infection anywhere in the urinary tract: the kidneys, ureters, bladder or urethra.
antibiotic
A drug that kills bacteria or stops them from growing.
kidney infection
An infection of one or both kidneys; the medical word is pyelonephritis.