Macrobid vs. Bactrim

• Are Macrobid and Bactrim the Same Thing?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Macrobid?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Bactrim?
• What is Macrobid?
• What is Bactrim?
• What Drugs Interact with Macrobid?
• What Drugs Interact with Bactrim?
• How Should Macrobid Be Taken?
• How Should Bactrim Be Taken?

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin monohydrate/macrocrystals) and Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim) are antibiotics used to treat urinary tract infections.

Macrobid is also used to treat bladder infections.

Bactrim is also used to treat ear infections (acute otitis media), bronchitis, Shigellosis, Pneumocystis pneumonia, traveler's diarrhea, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and other bacterial infections.

Bactrim is prescribed to treat Candida fungal infections of the mouth, vagina, esophagus, lungs, urinary tract, abdomen, and other organs. Bactrim is also used to treat fungal meningitis and may be prescribed to ward off fungal infections in patients being treated with chemotherapy or radiation before a bone marrow transplant.

Common side effects of Macrobid include:

• nausea,
• vomiting,
• upset stomach,
• diarrhea,
• rust-colored or brownish urine,
• vaginal itching or discharge,
• headaches, and
• gas.

Tell your doctor if you experience serious side effects of Macrobid including:

• bloody or watery diarrhea,
• sudden chest pain,
• shortness of breath,
• cough,
• fever or chills,
• numbness or tingling in the hands or feet, or
• easy bruising.

Common side effects of Bactrim include:

• loss of appetite,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• painful or swollen tongue,
• dizziness,
• spinning sensation,
• ringing in your ears,
• tiredness, or
• sleep problems (insomnia).

Tell your doctor if you experience serious side effects of Bactrim including:

• bruising or bleeding,
• aplastic anemia,
• jaundice,
• hepatic necrosis,
• mouth sores,
• joint aches,
• severe skin rashes,
• itching, and
• sore throat.

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin monohydrate/macrocrystals) is an antibacterial drug used to treat urinary tract and bladder infections caused by Escherichia coli or Staphyloccocus saprophyticus strains of bacteria that are sensitive to this drug. Macrobid is available as a generic. Macrobid should not be used for pyelonephritis (kidney infections) or other deep tissue infections such as perinephric abscesses.

Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim) DS is a combination of two antibiotics used to treat urinary tract infections, acute otitis media, bronchitis, Shigellosis, Pneumocystis pneumonia, traveler's diarrhea, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and other bacterial infections susceptible to this antibiotic. Bactrim is available as a generic drug.

Macrobid may also interact with magnesium salicylate or choline magnesium salicylate.

Bactrim may interact with blood thinners, cyclosporine, methotrexate, oral diabetes medications, and seizure medications. Bactrim may also interact with antidepressants, digoxin, diuretics (water pills), indomethacin, leucovorin, calcium folinate, and heart or blood pressure medications.

Macrobid is available in 100 mg tablets for use in children under 12 years old and adults. Macrobid may interact with magnesium salicylate, choline magnesium salicylate, and probenecid or other gout medications.

Bactrim is available in tablets in two strengths; 400 mg sulfamethoxazole and 80 mg trimethoprim and the "DS" form which means double strength, 800 mg sulfamethoxazole and 160 mg trimethoprim. Patients should follow their doctor's instructions and take all of the Bactrim prescribed. Patients allergic to sulfa compounds should not take Bactrim. Bactrim may interact with many drugs; the patient and prescribing doctor should be aware of any potential interactions. Bactrim should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus; the same situation exists for women who are breastfeeding and their neonates.