Macrobid / Nitrofurantoin

Macrobid is an antibiotic that fights bacteria in the body. It is prescribed to treat urinary tract infections and works by interfering with chemicals in the bacteria, which in turn kills the bacteria. It has also been prescribed to treat E. coli.

In 2010, the Journal of Medical Case Reports published an article that linked the use of Nitrofurantoin to the development of autoimmune hepatitis—a disease which attacks the liver cells. Of the people who suffer from this side effect, it was also discovered that nearly 70 percent of them were female.

It has also been advised that older adults steer clear of this drug as well due to serious side effects. If the drug stays too long in the bloodstream, it can lead to peripheral neuropathy and scarring of the lungs.

Serious side effects include:

• Diarrhea that is watery or bloody
• Shortness of breath, running out of breath easily
• Sudden chest pain or discomfort, wheezing, dry cough or hack
• Fever, chills, body aches, unexplained weight loss
• Peripheral neuropathy – numbness, tingling, or pain in your hands or feet
• Nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• Pale skin, easy bruising, confusion or weakness
• Patchy skin color, red spots, or a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash
• Severe headache, ringing in your ears, dizziness, vision problems, pain behind your eyes

Less serious side effects may include:

• Upset stomach, vomiting
• Mild diarrhea
• Rust-colored or brownish urine
• Vaginal itching or discharge

This information is provided for informational purposes only.

Jacoby & Meyers Mass Torts Law Group is not currently accepting new claims for Macrobid.