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Comparing Bactrim DS vs Macrobid

Bactrim DS

sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim

Macrobid

nitrofurantoin

Prescribed for Urinary Tract Infection, Bacterial Skin Infection, Bacterial Infection, Sinusitis, Bronchitis, Granuloma Inguinale, Prevention of Bladder infection, Upper Respiratory Tract Infection,... more

Prescribed for Urinary Tract Infection, Prevention of Bladder infection, Bladder Infection. Macrobid may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Prescription only

Prescription only

Ratings & Reviews

Recent helpful reviews
5.7
201 Reviews

For Urinary Tract Infection No health insurance. Went to the ER for UTI and was prescribed Bactrim. UTI symptoms quickly subsided (didn't disappear completely but like 90% better) so that was nice. Then the Bactrim symptoms started. Oh man. I had a different set of symptoms every day. First it was tingly hands and severe fatigue. Then I had a full blown panic attack (depression and anxiety can be made worse by Bactrim apparently so I tried to keep reminding myself of that). Last couple of days I've had headaches and bad nausea. I'm on day 6 of my 7 day course now-- gonna try my best to make it through the whole course but wowww it's tough. I just hope these symptoms clear up once my pills are gone. It got its job done but made me miserable in the process!

6
Mega530

For Urinary Tract Infection Had a 7 day prescription of Bactrim DS. The first two days I had a headache, then the 3rd day I started feeling nausea which turned into nausea/dizziness/and constant fatigue. I've been off the medicine for 36 hours and still feel extremely exhausted, and still dizzy and a little queasy at times.

6
Anonymous
4.8
392 Reviews

For Urinary Tract Infection It worked really well to clear up my urinary tract infection and within a day I had no symptoms; however, I was so tired while I was taking this! I also would get feeling of nausea quite often and occasionally would make me vomit. I took on a full stomach but still got the feelings of nausea and fatigue.

5
MN2

For Urinary Tract Infection Took this drug for 3 days.The infection got better after 2 doses. However, I slowly developed headaches and a little chills on the 2nd day of treatment. Thought I might be getting a bit of flu so I ignored the symptoms and continue my medication. As soon as I took the last dose, my symptoms got worst. I was so weak I could hardly walk. My eyes got blurry and generally nauseous and drowsy. As I type this, I still have all this symptoms with raised heart beat, occasional numbness of my hands and feet. All I want is to sleep but too scared to sleep just in case it got worst. Nonetheless, the medicine does the job as it cleared my infection after two days of taking it but it gave me a bad experience so am not taking this drug again.

5
pen01

View all 201 reviews

View all 392 reviews

Drug Class

Side Effects

See the full Bactrim DS side effects document.

See the full Macrobid side effects document.

Pricing and Coupons

* Prices are without insurance
Quantity 10 tablet
Dosage 800 mg-160 mg
Per Unit* $3.53
Cost* $35.27
View all Bactrim DS prices
View generic prices
Quantity 100 capsule
Dosage macrocrystals-monohydrate 100 mg
Per Unit* $6.29
Cost* $629.07
View all Macrobid prices
View generic prices

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Generic Availability

Yes

Yes

Dosage Form(s) Available
  • Oral tablet
  • Oral capsule

Brand Names
Other sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim brands include: Bactrim, Bactrim IV, Bactrim Pediatric, Bethaprim, Bethaprim Pediatric, Co-trimoxazole, Cotrim,... more Other nitrofurantoin brands include: Furadantin, Macrodantin, and Nitro Macro

Half Life

The half-life of a drug is the time taken for the plasma concentration of a drug to reduce to half its original value.

14 hours

1 hour

CSA Schedule

View glossary of terms.
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.

Pregnancy Category
D
Category D Positive evidence of risk

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.
B
Category B No proven risk in humans

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.

FDA Alerts

N/A

N/A

Drug Interactions

A total of 453 drugs are known to interact with Bactrim DS:

  • 112 major drug interactions (424 brand and generic names)
  • 139 moderate drug interactions (645 brand and generic names)
  • 202 minor drug interactions (637 brand and generic names)

A total of 237 drugs are known to interact with Macrobid:

  • 11 major drug interactions (39 brand and generic names)
  • 137 moderate drug interactions (612 brand and generic names)
  • 89 minor drug interactions (558 brand and generic names)

Alcohol/Food/Lifestyle Interactions
  • Ask your doctor before using trimethoprim together with alcohol. Do not drink alcohol while you... more

No results found - however, this does not necessarily mean no warnings exist. Always consult with your doctor or pharmacist.

Disease Interactions

First Approval Date

July 30, 1973

December 24, 1991

WADA Class

View World Anti-Doping Agency classifications.

N/A

N/A

More Information

Consumer Resources

Professional Resources

Related Treatment Guide

Disclaimer: This site is designed to offer information for general educational purposes only. The health information furnished on this site and the interactive responses are not intended to be professional advice and are not intended to replace personal consultation with a qualified physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. You must always seek the advice of a professional for questions related to a disease, disease symptoms, and appropriate therapeutic treatments.

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