What is the brand name for Nitrofurantoin?
The brand name for Nitrofurantoin is Macrobid.
PTCE Top 200 · #143
Nitrofurantoin
Macrobid
Nitrofurantoin is the generic name for the brand-name drug Macrobid. It is an urinary antibiotic used to treat uncomplicated UTI. On the PTCE Top 200 drug list, Nitrofurantoin ranks #143 and is one of the most frequently tested infectious disease medications — commonly quizzed on its brand–generic pair, drug class, and key side effects.
| Generic name | Nitrofurantoin |
|---|---|
| Brand name(s) | Macrobid |
| Drug class | Urinary antibiotic |
| Class group | Infectious Disease |
| Common use | uncomplicated UTI |
| DEA schedule | Unscheduled |
| Availability | Prescription only (Rx) |
What is Nitrofurantoin used for?
Treatment and prophylaxis of urinary tract infections caused by susceptible bacteria (typically uncomplicated lower UTIs).
What drug class is Nitrofurantoin?
Nitrofurantoin is an Urinary antibiotic in the Infectious Disease group. Knowing the class is the fastest way to predict its uses, side effects, and the brand↔generic pairs the PTCE tests.
Common side effects of Nitrofurantoin
- arrow_rightNausea
- arrow_rightHeadache
- arrow_rightDizziness
- arrow_rightDiarrhea
- arrow_rightBrown urine
Major interactions
- arrow_rightAntacids containing magnesium trisilicate → reduced absorption (avoid)
- arrow_rightProbenecid/sulfinpyrazone → increased nitrofurantoin levels/toxicity
- arrow_rightUse caution with other neuropathy risks (e.g., diabetes)
Is Nitrofurantoin a controlled substance?
No. Nitrofurantoin is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
How to remember Nitrofurantoin (PTCE mnemonic)
MACRO-bid = MACROcrystals BID — nitrofurantoin concentrates in URINE (bladder only, NOT pyelonephritis). Take with food; rare pulmonary fibrosis/neuropathy; AVOID if CrCl<60 or near-term pregnancy.
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PTCE exam tip
Nitrofurantoin works ONLY in the urinary tract — take with food, expect harmless brown urine, avoid with poor kidney function. Macrobid is BID vs Macrodantin's four-times-daily.
Nitrofurantoin FAQ
What is Nitrofurantoin used for?
Nitrofurantoin is used to treat uncomplicated UTI. Treatment and prophylaxis of urinary tract infections caused by susceptible bacteria (typically uncomplicated lower UTIs).
What drug class is Nitrofurantoin?
Nitrofurantoin is an Urinary antibiotic (Infectious Disease group).
Is Nitrofurantoin a controlled substance?
No. Nitrofurantoin is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
Related drugs in the Infectious Disease group
Drill Nitrofurantoin the way the PTCE asks it
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Last reviewed June 25, 2026. Educational use only — not medical advice. Verify clinical specifics with your pharmacist or a current label source such as DailyMed. RxReflex is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).