Although calcium is very important for good health, it is possible to get too much of a good thing. This is particularly true if you have been prescribed Macrodantin. Taking too much calcium while on Macrodantin could be harmful in some cases since the two substances can sometimes have similar side effects. Your doctor can tell you whether you need to avoid taking calcium in your particular case.
Macrodantin
Macrodantin is the brand name for nitrofurantoin, a type of antibiotic that can be used to treat urinary tract infections. A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is caused by bacteria that travel up the urinary tract and begin to reproduce in the bladder. It can be characterized by such symptoms as cloudy or bloody urine, the frequent need to urinate and a burning feeling while doing so, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Calcium
The mineral calcium is famous for its role in building strong bones and teeth. It also can function as an electrolyte, which means it helps conduct electrical signals within your body. Calcium is found naturally in many different foods, including dairy products, broccoli and grains. However, some people take supplemental calcium to ensure their diet includes enough. The Office of Dietary Supplements of the National Institutes of Health recommends that most adults consume about 1,000 milligrams of calcium per day, except for women older than 50 and men older than 70. This group of older people need about 1,200 milligrams per day.
Taking Calcium with Macrodantin
You should always follow your doctor's advice regarding what supplements and other substances are safe for you to consume while you are taking Macrodantin. In many cases, your doctor will recommend that you avoid calcium supplements because recurring urinary tract infections may be a sign of kidney disease or an increased risk of kidney stones, according to "American Family Physician." Consuming too much supplemental calcium can also increase your risk for kidney stones. This means that your doctor may decide that taking Macrodantin and calcium together could be harmful to your kidneys.
Treating Complications
If you do get kidney stones -- whether due to the supplemental calcium or from a separate condition of which the urinary tract infection is a sign -- your doctor may simply recommend that you drink plenty of water and take an over-the-counter pain medication while your body passes the stone. More serious cases, however, may require sound wave therapy, scope removal or even surgery.
