Side Effects of Microbid

Macrobid is a prescription medication used to treat urinary tract infections. Microbid is a common misspelling of its name. Despite its effectiveness, Macrobid poses a risk for certain side effects.

Significance

• The most common side effects of Macrobid occur in 1.5 to 8 percent of users, according to the Food and Drug Administration.

Side Effects

• The most common side effects of Macrobid include nausea, headaches and flatulence. Other possible side effects of Macrobid are diarrhea, indigestion, abdominal pain, constipation, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, itching, reversible hair loss, fever, chills and a feeling of malaise.

Risks

• Macrobid causes toxic effects on the liver, sometimes resulting in jaundice or yellowing of your skin and eyes, hepatitis or inflammation of your liver and even liver failure. Severe, irreversible nerve pain and damage is also associated with Macrobid use, as well as red blood cell shortages or hemolytic anemia.

Warning

• Macrobid poses a risk for interstitial lung disease in some patients. This results in permanent damage to the lungs that increases your risk of heart or respiratory failure.

Considerations

• If you have a history of diabetes mellitus, neuropathy, vitamin B deficiency, anemia or kidney, lung or liver disease, your doctor is not likely to prescribe Macrobid due to its potential side effects.