Macrodantin is an antibiotic that is used to treat urinary tract infections caused by bacteria.

Macrodantin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not take Macrodantin if you have severe kidney disease, urination problems, or a history of jaundice or liver problems caused by this medicine.

Do not take Macrodantin during late pregnancy (from 38 weeks through delivery).

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Take Macrodantin with food, even if you take it at bedtime.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

You may need to keep taking Macrodantin for up to 7 days after lab tests show that the infection has cleared. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Use Macrodantin for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication. Macrodantin will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.

This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using Macrodantin.

If you use this medicine long-term, you may need frequent medical tests.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Do not freeze the liquid medicine, and keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use. Throw away any Macrodantin liquid that has not been used within 30 days.

You should not take Macrodantin if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• severe kidney disease;

• urination problems (little or no urination); or

• a history of jaundice or liver problems caused by taking Macrodantin.

Do not take Macrodantin during late pregnancy (from 38 weeks through delivery).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• kidney disease;

• anemia;

• diabetes;

• an electrolyte imbalance or vitamin B deficiency;

• glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency; or

• any type of debilitating disease.

You should not breastfeed a baby younger than 1 month old while you are taking Macrodantin.

Macrodantin should not be given to a child younger than 1 month old.

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose can cause vomiting.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, call your doctor before using anti-diarrhea medicine.

Avoid taking an antacid that contains magnesium trisilicate, which could make it harder for your body to absorb Macrodantin.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Macrodantin may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody (even if it occurs months after your last dose);

• vision problems;

• fever, chills, cough, chest pain, trouble breathing;

• numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands or feet;

• severe pain behind your eyes;

• pale skin, weakness;

• joint pain or swelling with fever, swollen glands, and muscle aches;

• pain, redness, or swelling in your lower jaw;

• increased pressure inside the skull--severe headaches, ringing in your ears, dizziness, nausea, vision problems, pain behind your eyes; or

• signs of liver or pancreas problems--upper stomach pain (that may spread to your back), nausea or vomiting, dark urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Side effects may be more likely in older adults.

Common side effects of Macrodantin may include:

• headache, dizziness, drowsiness, weakness;

• gas, indigestion, loss of appetite;

• nausea, vomiting;

• muscle or joint pain;

• rash, itching; or

• temporary hair loss.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Other drugs may affect Macrodantin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.