What is nitrofurantoin?
Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic that fights bacteria in the body.
Nitrofurantoin is used to treat urinary tract infections.
Nitrofurantoin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about nitrofurantoin?
You should not take nitrofurantoin if you are allergic to it, or if you have severe kidney disease, urination problems, or a history of jaundice or liver problems caused by nitrofurantoin.
Do not take nitrofurantoin if you are in the last 2 to 4 weeks of pregnancy.
Before you take nitrofurantoin, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, anemia, diabetes, an electrolyte imbalance or vitamin B deficiency, a genetic enzyme deficiency, or any type of debilitating disease.
Take nitrofurantoin with food.
Avoid using antacids without your doctor's advice. Use only the type of antacid your doctor recommends. Some antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb nitrofurantoin.
Take this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Nitrofurantoin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.
Stop taking this medication and call your doctor at once if you have sudden chest pain, dry cough, or breathing problems.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking nitrofurantoin?
You should not take nitrofurantoin if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
severe kidney disease;
a history of jaundice or liver problems caused by taking nitrofurantoin;
if you are urinating less than usual or not at all; or
if you are in the last 2 to 4 weeks of pregnancy.
To make sure you can safely take nitrofurantoin, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
kidney disease;
anemia;
diabetes;
an electrolyte imbalance or vitamin B deficiency;
glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency; or
any type of debilitating disease.
FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby, unless it is used during the last 2 to 4 weeks of pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
Nitrofurantoin can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are taking nitrofurantoin.