Getting a Nitrofurantoin Prescription Doesn't Have to Be Complicated

If you're dealing with a urinary tract infection (UTI), you already know how miserable the symptoms can be—burning, urgency, and constant trips to the bathroom. Nitrofurantoin is one of the most commonly prescribed antibiotics for uncomplicated UTIs, and the good news is that many types of doctors can prescribe it. The challenge? Knowing where to start, especially if you don't have a regular doctor or your usual provider isn't available.

This guide walks you through exactly how to find a doctor who can prescribe Nitrofurantoin near you—whether you prefer an in-person visit or a telehealth appointment from your couch.

What Type of Doctor Prescribes Nitrofurantoin?

Nitrofurantoin is a first-line antibiotic for uncomplicated lower urinary tract infections, and it doesn't require a specialist to prescribe. Here are the types of providers who routinely prescribe it:

• Primary care physicians (family medicine and internal medicine) — Your family doctor or internist is often the best first stop. They know your medical history and can prescribe Nitrofurantoin quickly for a straightforward UTI.
• Urgent care providers — If you can't get a same-day appointment with your primary care doctor, urgent care clinics are an excellent option. Most can diagnose a UTI with a urine test and send you home with a prescription the same day.
• OB/GYNs — If you're a woman who sees an OB/GYN regularly, they frequently prescribe Nitrofurantoin for UTIs. This is especially relevant if you're pregnant (Nitrofurantoin is generally safe in early pregnancy but contraindicated at term).
• Urologists — For recurrent UTIs or complicated cases, a urologist may prescribe Nitrofurantoin for both treatment and long-term prophylaxis.
• Emergency medicine physicians — While the ER isn't ideal for a routine UTI, emergency doctors can and do prescribe Nitrofurantoin when needed.
• Telehealth providers — Many virtual care platforms can prescribe Nitrofurantoin after a brief online consultation. More on this below.

How to Find a Provider Near You

There are several practical ways to find a doctor who can prescribe Nitrofurantoin, depending on your insurance status and preferences.

1. Use Your Insurance Provider Directory

If you have health insurance, start with your plan's online provider directory. Search for primary care or urgent care providers accepting new patients near your ZIP code. This ensures you'll pay in-network rates—often just a $20–$40 copay for an office visit.

2. Search on Zocdoc or Healthgrades

Platforms like Zocdoc let you search for doctors by specialty, insurance plan, and appointment availability. You can often book a same-day or next-day appointment for a UTI. Filter by "family medicine," "internal medicine," or "urgent care" and look for providers with availability that works for you.

3. Ask Your Pharmacist for a Referral

Pharmacists can't prescribe Nitrofurantoin (in most states), but they know which local providers frequently treat UTIs and can point you in the right direction. If you already have a relationship with a pharmacy, this can be a quick way to get a recommendation.

4. Visit an Urgent Care or Walk-In Clinic

No appointment needed at most urgent care centers. Chains like MinuteClinic (CVS), MedExpress, and CityMD can diagnose and treat uncomplicated UTIs in a single visit. Expect to pay $100–$200 without insurance, or your standard copay with insurance.

5. Try Telehealth

Telehealth is one of the fastest ways to get a Nitrofurantoin prescription. Several platforms offer UTI consultations:

• Teladoc, MDLIVE, Amwell — General telehealth platforms; most visits are $50–$75 without insurance.
• Wisp, PlushCare, K Health — Some offer specialized UTI treatment pathways with prescriptions sent directly to your pharmacy.
• Your insurance plan's telehealth option — Many insurers now offer $0–$20 virtual visits. Check your plan's app or website.

For an uncomplicated UTI, a telehealth visit typically takes 10–15 minutes. The provider will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and any allergies, then send a prescription electronically to your preferred pharmacy.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

Whether you go in person or virtual, here's what a typical UTI appointment looks like:

1. Symptom review — The provider will ask about burning with urination, frequency, urgency, blood in urine, and how long symptoms have lasted.
2. Urine test (in person) — A urinalysis or urine dipstick test can confirm a UTI in minutes. Some providers may send a urine culture to identify the specific bacteria.
3. Medical history check — The doctor will review your kidney function, allergies, current medications, and whether you're pregnant. This matters because Nitrofurantoin is contraindicated in patients with a creatinine clearance below 60 mL/min and at term pregnancy.
4. Prescription — If Nitrofurantoin is appropriate, you'll typically receive a prescription for Macrobid 100 mg twice daily for 5 days, or Macrodantin 50–100 mg four times daily for 7 days.

After You Get Your Prescription

Once you have your prescription, your next step is filling it. Generic Nitrofurantoin is widely available at most pharmacies and typically costs $3–$10 with a discount coupon or $0–$15 with insurance. Here are some tips:

• Check availability first. While Nitrofurantoin capsules are generally in stock, the oral suspension has experienced intermittent shortages. Use Medfinder to check which pharmacies near you have it in stock.
• Use a discount card. If you're paying cash, GoodRx or SingleCare coupons can bring the price down significantly. Check out our complete guide to saving money on Nitrofurantoin.
• Take it with food. Nitrofurantoin absorbs up to 40% better when taken with food or milk, and it also reduces stomach upset.

Final Thoughts

Finding a doctor to prescribe Nitrofurantoin is straightforward—you don't need a specialist for an uncomplicated UTI. Your primary care doctor, an urgent care clinic, or even a telehealth provider can have you diagnosed and holding a prescription within hours. The key is not to wait: UTIs can worsen quickly, and Nitrofurantoin works best when started early.

If you already have a prescription and need help finding a pharmacy with Nitrofurantoin in stock, Medfinder can help you locate it near you.