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nitrofurantoin monohydrate/macrocrystalline capsules

University of California, San Diego · FDA-approved active Small molecule

nitrofurantoin monohydrate/macrocrystalline capsules is a Nitrofuran antibiotic Small molecule drug developed by University of California, San Diego. It is currently FDA-approved for Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (acute cystitis), Chronic suppressive therapy for recurrent urinary tract infections. Also known as: Macrobid.

Nitrofurantoin is reduced by bacterial enzymes to reactive intermediates that damage bacterial DNA and proteins, leading to cell death.

Nitrofurantoin is reduced by bacterial enzymes to reactive intermediates that damage bacterial DNA and proteins, leading to cell death. Used for Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (acute cystitis), Chronic suppressive therapy for recurrent urinary tract infections.

At a glance

Generic namenitrofurantoin monohydrate/macrocrystalline capsules
Also known asMacrobid
SponsorUniversity of California, San Diego
Drug classNitrofuran antibiotic
TargetBacterial DNA and ribosomal proteins (non-specific after activation)
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaInfectious Disease
PhaseFDA-approved

Mechanism of action

Nitrofurantoin is a prodrug that requires bacterial nitroreductase enzymes to be converted into highly reactive intermediates. These intermediates cause strand breaks in bacterial DNA and damage to ribosomal proteins and other essential cellular components. This multi-target mechanism makes resistance development less likely and provides broad-spectrum activity against many urinary tract pathogens.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

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Frequently asked questions about nitrofurantoin monohydrate/macrocrystalline capsules

What is nitrofurantoin monohydrate/macrocrystalline capsules?

nitrofurantoin monohydrate/macrocrystalline capsules is a Nitrofuran antibiotic drug developed by University of California, San Diego, indicated for Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (acute cystitis), Chronic suppressive therapy for recurrent urinary tract infections.

How does nitrofurantoin monohydrate/macrocrystalline capsules work?

Nitrofurantoin is reduced by bacterial enzymes to reactive intermediates that damage bacterial DNA and proteins, leading to cell death.

What is nitrofurantoin monohydrate/macrocrystalline capsules used for?

nitrofurantoin monohydrate/macrocrystalline capsules is indicated for Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (acute cystitis), Chronic suppressive therapy for recurrent urinary tract infections.

Who makes nitrofurantoin monohydrate/macrocrystalline capsules?

nitrofurantoin monohydrate/macrocrystalline capsules is developed and marketed by University of California, San Diego (see full University of California, San Diego pipeline at /company/university-of-california-san-diego).

Is nitrofurantoin monohydrate/macrocrystalline capsules also known as anything else?

nitrofurantoin monohydrate/macrocrystalline capsules is also known as Macrobid.

What drug class is nitrofurantoin monohydrate/macrocrystalline capsules in?

nitrofurantoin monohydrate/macrocrystalline capsules belongs to the Nitrofuran antibiotic class. See all Nitrofuran antibiotic drugs at /class/nitrofuran-antibiotic.

What development phase is nitrofurantoin monohydrate/macrocrystalline capsules in?

nitrofurantoin monohydrate/macrocrystalline capsules is FDA-approved (marketed).

What are the side effects of nitrofurantoin monohydrate/macrocrystalline capsules?

Common side effects of nitrofurantoin monohydrate/macrocrystalline capsules include Nausea, Headache, Diarrhea, Peripheral neuropathy (with prolonged use), Pulmonary toxicity (rare), Hepatotoxicity (rare).

What does nitrofurantoin monohydrate/macrocrystalline capsules target?

nitrofurantoin monohydrate/macrocrystalline capsules targets Bacterial DNA and ribosomal proteins (non-specific after activation) and is a Nitrofuran antibiotic.

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