MacroBid is an antibiotic medication used to treat urinary tract infections, or UTIs. These include infections such as Cystitis. The standard treatment consists of 100mg MacroBid slow release tablets taken twice a day for 3 days.

A UTI happens when bacteria enter the bladder through the urethra. As women have shorter urethra’s than men, UTIs can occur more frequently in women. This bacteria can cause inflammation of the bladder, also known as cystitis. These infections may also occur in the kidney or urethra.

Symptoms indicative of a UTI include:

• Burning sensation when urinating
• Frequent urination or a persistent urge to urinate without passing urine
• Bloody or discoloured urine
• Pressure and / or pain in the lower back and pelvis

If the infection is in the kidney, you may experience:

• Fever
• Nausea
• Vomiting

MacroBid works because it contains the active ingredient Nitrofurantoin. It’s an anti-biotic that targets the bacteria responsible for urinary tract infections. By treating the infection at the source, MacroBid stops the unpleasant symptoms of a UTI.

Yes, if taken as prescribed. They’re commonly taken twice daily over the course of 3 days. As MacroBid is an anti-biotic medication, you should complete the whole treatment course even if the symptoms are fully relieved.

You shouldn’t take MacroBid if you are:

• Allergic to any of the ingredients
• Have severe kidney disease
• Are in the final stages of pregnancy
• Have Porphyria
• Have G6PD deficiency
• Are under 3 months of age
• Are breast feeding a baby with G6PD deficiency

You should also consult your doctor about taking MacroBid if you are being treated with any of the following medicines:

• Antacids for indigestion (e.g. Magnesium Trisilicate)
• Medicines for gout (e.g. Probenecid or Sulfinpyrazone)
• Medicines for raised pressure in the eye (Glaucoma), such as Carbonic Anhydrase inhibitors (e.g. Acetazolamide)
• Medicines which make the urine less acidic (e.g. Potassium Citrate mixture)
• Medicines for infections, known as Quinolones
• Typhoid vaccine, which is given for the prevention of Typhoid

If you have any questions about being prescribed MacroBid, talk to your doctor and sign up for our free Ask A Pharmacist service for answers to any health or prescription related concerns.

There can be side effects from taking MacroBid. These may include the following:

• A change in urine colour
• Loose stools
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite

Avoid alcohol if you are taking MacroBid. It could worsen the side effects and lessen the effectiveness of the treatment.

If you are prescribed MacroBid, you should receive a Patient Information Leaflet outlining more possible side effects as well as further warning and precautions.

Yes, there are other medications used to treat UTIs. Trimethoprim is another effective anti-biotic medication that reduces the folic acid produced by the bacteria found in UTIs.

MacroBid, or Nitrofurantoin, is available to buy online from e-Surgery from £16.50.