Nitrofurantoin (Furadantin) Medicare Coverage

Nitrofurantoin is the generic form of the antibiotic Macrobid. Other brand name equivalents include Furadantin and Macrodantin.

Nitrofurantoin is used to treat uncomplicated urinary tract infections and is also used to prevent urinary tract infections in people who get them very often. Nitrofurantoin kills bacteria in the urine to help urinary tract infections heal and to prevent more from happening.

Major side effects of Nitrofurantoin include upset stomach, vomiting, headache, loss of appetite, dizziness, upset stomach, diarrhea and urine color changes.

How much does Nitrofurantoin cost with Medicare?

Nitrofurantoin coverage and costs may vary based on the specific plan you have, as well as what coverage stage you're in.

Contact your plan carrier or consult your plan formulary for more cost information.

Does Medicare cover Nitrofurantoin?

According to GoodRx, 99% of Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Part D plans covered Nitrofurantoin in 2023.¹

• Medicare Advantage plans or Part D plans that cover Nitrofurantoin include copay amounts that can range widely from one plan to another. Plan members may also be responsible for meeting a deductible before the plan’s drug coverage kicks in.
  
  
• Medicare Advantage plans that offer prescription drug coverage are called Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans (MA-PD). 89% of 2023 Medicare Advantage plans included prescription drug coverage.²
  
  
• Medicare prescription drugs plans each have their own formulary, or drug list, that details what prescription drugs are covered by the plan and how they are covered.

Drug coverage may vary based on plan availability. You may be able to find Medicare Advantage plan options in your area that cover Nitrofurantoin. We represent carriers such as Humana, UnitedHealthcare^®, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna Healthcare, Wellcare, or Kaiser Permanente.

You can also compare Part D prescription drug plans available where you live and enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan online when you visit MyRxPlans.com.

Additional information

You should take Nitrofurantoin with food. Take Nitrofurantoin for as long as your doctor has prescribed to fully treat the infection, even if you begin to feel better.  Do not take antacids with magnesium trisilicate while taking Nitrofurantoin.

People have experienced hair loss while taking Nitrofurantoin. This goes back to normal when the drug is stopped.

You may notice urine color changes while taking Nitrofurantoin as it can turn the urine brown. This is normal and is not indicative of a problem.

Call your doctor if you have very bad diarrhea, as Nitrofurantoin can cause a more serious infection called c. diff associated diarrhea. Call your doctor if you have stomach pain, cramps, loose stools or bloody stools.

This article is for informational purposes only. It is not healthcare advice, treatment, or diagnosis. It is not an endorsement of or recommendation for this medication. Speak to your doctor or healthcare provider about your specific healthcare needs, including your prescription medications. Only take medication as directed by your doctor.

Coverage and costs of prescription medications will vary by Medicare plan. Not all plans are available in all areas.

Written by Hayden Gharibyar, Pharm.D.