To ask about Macrobid Nitrofurantoin...

[hookiwooki]

Sorry, posting in AIBU for traffic, so I know I ABU, but I've been given a prescription for Macrobid (prolonged release) Nitrofurantoin for a UTI and my prescriber has left me feeling really confused. I'm aware that MN is not the place for medical advice but I'm at a loss.

I have frequent urgency and I've been told the drug needs to remain in my system as long as possible so to avoid urinating after taking it. This seems contradictory and I have no idea how long I am supposed to not pee for! I really want to give the drug the best chance of working.

Can anyone offer any insight? Pretty please?!

I’m a GP and regularly prescribe Nitrofurantoin. I’ve never told anyone to not pee after taking it and, to my knowledge, there’s nothing in the prescribing directions saying that we should. If you have an infection that’s sensitive to this then the antibiotics will work. If you don’t, they won’t. I don’t think it has anything to do with how much/often you pee.

I really wouldn’t worry about it OP.

Thanks @ThatsNotMyToddler

After two babies and with a UTI it's an instruction I'm really struggling with

Hiya, I’m so glad I come across this post , I see your a doctor and have been googling and making my anxiety so bad as Iv seen so many different views but I have been given nitrofuratoin for a kidney infection, is this a common drug for kidney infection?

I’m not a Dr - but yes, I’ve been prescribed it for a kidney infection. It worked well.

What is it you’re anxious about? Do you think it’s not working?

OP - I’ve had many UTIs over the years, treated by antibiotics, and not once has anyone said to not wee! That sounds absurd.

I was given this a couple of times, once for a bad uti and one for a kidney infection.

I do remember being told to take an antibiotic at night once, not sure if it was the same occasion, so that my bladder would be full of antibiotic-wee overnight, which made sense to me, but if you have to go, go. Holding on to a full bladder is a really bad idea long term.

As you get better, if the antibiotics work, they'll work quickly, the urgency will recede, and you'll be back to normal. You'll still be taking the medicine, so it can slosh around for hours, making sure everything is cured

Good luck.

This drug is my best friend! I have regular UTIs due to incorrect kidney structure causing kidney not to drain properly, infection build up I get uti. Have had surgery etc but been told scarring etc has made me very susceptible to UTIs I take nitro at least 6 times a year. I gave never been told not to pee! It us crucial that you finish the whole course though.