Macrobid vs. Keflex

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

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin monohydrate/macrocrystals) and Keflex (cephalexin) are antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections.

Macrobid is primarily used to treat urinary tract and bladder infections.

Keflex treats many types of infections, especially skin and soft tissue infections and is also used before dental procedures in patients identified with certain heart-related conditions to prevent bacterial infections of the heart known as endocarditis.

Macrobid and Keflex are different types of antibiotics. Macrobid is a nitrofuran antibiotic and Keflex is a cephalosporin antibiotic.

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 Keflex include:

• diarrhea,
• dizziness,
• tiredness,
• headache,
• stomach upset,
• abdominal pain,
• joint pain,
• vaginal itching or discharge,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• itching,
• swelling, and
• rash.

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.

Keflex (cephalexin) is a cephalosporin antibiotic prescribed to treat bacterial infections. Keflex is also used before dental procedures in patients identified with certain heart-related conditions to prevent bacterial infections of the heart known as endocarditis. Keflex is available as a generic drug.

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

Keflex and amoxicillin may interact with probenecid and blood thinners.

Keflex may also interact with metformin.

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.

Keflex dosage depends on the condition being treated. Keflex should be used with caution in patients who have kidney disease and those who report a history of penicillin allergy.