Macrofuran is a common medication used to treat or prevent uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs), but it can make your urine turn dark yellow or brown. The medication can cause more serious lung problems if used for more than 6 months. Macrofuran kills bacteria that most often cause urinary tract infections (UTIs). It generally targets bacterial strains of Escherichia coli (or E. coli), Klebsiella, Enterococci, and Staphylococcus aureus. It only kills bacteria in the urinary tract and won’t work for infections found in other areas of the body.

Macrofuran is known as a nitrofuran antibiotic. It isn’t related to other antibiotics, such as penicillin or sulfa medications, so providers might prescribe Macrofuran if you are allergic to other antibiotics.

Product Information

• Trade name: Macrofuran capsules 50 mg & 100 mg.
• Active ingredient: 50 -100 mg nitrofurantoin.
• Inactive ingredient: Starch. talc, lactose monohydrate.
• composition: Macrofuran capsules containing 100 mg & 50 mg nitrofurantoin in macrocrytalline form.
• Manufactured by KAHIRA PHARMACEUTICALS & CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES -CAIRO -EGYPT.

Pharmaceutical form

• Macrofuran 50 mg hard gelatin capsule has an opaque yellow cap and opaque white body.
• Macrofuran 100 mg hard gelatin capsule has a brown cap and opaque white body.

Therapeutic Indications

• For the treatment of and prophylaxis against acute or recurrent, uncomplicated lower urinary tract infections or pyelitis either spontaneous or following surgical procedures.
• Nitrofurantoin is specifically indicated for the treatment of infections when due to susceptible strains of Escherichia coli, enterococci, staphylococci, Citrobacter, Klebsiella and Enterobacter.

Posology and method of adminidtration

Adult Dosage

• Acute Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): 50 mg four times daily for seven days.
• Severe chronic recurrence (UTIs): 100 mg four times daily for seven days.
• Long term suppression: 50-100 mg once a day.
• Prophylaxis: 50 mg four times daily for the duration of procedure and for three days thereafter.

Elderly Dosage

Provided there is no significant renal impairment, in which Nitrofurentoin, is contraindicated, the dosage should be that for any normal adult.

Contraindications

1. Patients with known hypersensitivity to nitrofurantoin or other nitrofurans.
2. Patients suffering from renal dysfunction with a creatinine clearance of less than 60 ml / minute or elevated serum creatnine.
3. G6PD defidency.
4. Acute porphyria.
5. Product containing nitrofurantoin is contraindicated in patients with previous history of cholestatic jaundice / hepatic dysfunction associated with nitrofurantoin.
6. In infants less than 3 months and at the end of pregnancy (during labour and delivery) because of the theoretical possibility of haemolytic anaemia in the fetus or newborn ‘under 3 months) due to immature erythrocyte enzyme system.
7. contraindicaled in most patients with an estimated glomerular filteration rate (eGFR) of less than 45 ml/min/1.73 ㎡.

Special warnings and precautions for use

• Nitrofurantoin is not effective for the treatment of parenchymal infections of unilaterally non-functioning kidney. A surgical cause for infection should be excluded in recurrent or severe cases.
• Since pre-existing conditions may mask adverse reactions, Nitrofurantoin should be used with caution in patients with pulmonary disease, hepatic dysfunction, neurological disorders, and allergic diathesis.
• Peripheral neuropathy and susceptibility to peripheral neuropathy which may become severe or irreversible has ocurred and may be life threatening Therefore, treatment should be stopped at the first signs of neural  involvement (paraeathesiae).
• Nitrofuranton should be used with caution in patients with anaemia, diabetes mellitus, electrolyte imbalance, debilitating conditions and vitamin B (particularly folate) deficiency.
• Acute, subacute and chronic pulmonary reactions have been observed in patients treated with nitrofurantoin. If these reactions occur, nitrofurantoin should be discontinued immediatelty.
• Chronic pulmonary reactions (including pulmonary fibrosis and diffuse interstitial pneumonitis ) can develop insidiously, and may occur commonly in elderly patients. Close monitoring of the pulmonary conditions of patients receiving long term therapy is warrant. (especially in the elderly).
• Patient should be monitored closely for signs of hepatitis (particularly in long term use). Urine may be coloured yellow or brown after taking Nitrofurantoin. Patients on Nitrofurentoon are susceptible to false positive urinary glucose (if tested for reducing substances).
• Gastrointestinal reactions may be minimised by taking the drug with food or milk, or by adjustment of dosage.
• For long-term treatment, monitor patients closely for evidence of hepatitis or pulmonary symptoms or other evidence of toxicity.

Macrofuran – Information Leaflet

Contact Us: If you have any notes or feedback you need to reach us with, feel free contacting us any time via e-mail( Listen2article@gmail.com). Please contact us via email (listen2article), contact us form,  if the information on this page is incorrect, or if you have other information to update this page.