Let's take a minute to talk about your medication. 

This is nitrofurantoin, and you should take it as directed by your doctor. 

You should swallow the capsule whole, and don't crush, chew or open it. Also, take it with food because that's how it works best. Taking it with food also helps reduce stomach upset.  

Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic that treats infections caused by bacteria, like certain infections of the urinary tract. It doesn't work on infections caused by viruses, like the common cold. 

People usually tolerate it well and start feeling better soon. But finish the full course, or the infection could return and become hard to treat. 

This medicine is usually well-tolerated, but some side effects can happen, like mild diarrhea that lasts until the treatment is finished. Your pharmacist can recommend how to prevent this. But, if the diarrhea is severe or doesn't go away, you should call your doctor promptly. You should also call right away if your stools ever become watery and bloody, even if it has been two or more months since the last dose. 

As with any medicine, rare but serious side effects can occur. You should call your doctor right away if you notice unusual changes to your body, like problems breathing, itching, or nerve pain in your hands or feet. 

To reduce side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medicines, even if they don't require a prescription. This includes antacids. 

For best results, don't skip doses and finish the full course.