While most people can take nitrofurantoin for a UTI, you should not take this medicine if you have:
- chronic or severe kidney disease
- problems peeing
- history of liver problems or jaundice caused by nitrofurantoin
- anaemia or vitamin B deficiency, or some other blood disorders
- diabetes
Can you take Nitrofurantoin when pregnant?
It is mostly safe to take nitrofurantoin during pregnancy, except during labour and delivery Nitrofurantoin goes straight into the urine (pee). This means very little of the antibiotic travels through to your baby. You must not take nitrofurantoin during labour, as there is a risk it can affect the baby’s blood.
Can you take Nitrofurantoin while breastfeeding?
If you are breastfeeding your baby, you should tell your doctor before you take nitrofurantoin. While only small amounts pass through to the breast milk, it is not right for all babies. It can affect the blood cells of babies with a certain condition.
Can you take Nitrofurantoin while on your period?
Having a UTI does not affect your period directly. This means you are safe to use nitrofurantoin.
Can medications interact with Nitrofurantoin?
Yes. Some medications can affect the effectiveness of nitrofurantoin, such as:
- antacids for indigestion (like Gaviscon)
- medicines for gout
- other antibiotics
- other cystitis medications
You must talk to your doctor first before taking nitrofurantoin and tell them what medications you are taking. Some medicines may cause harmful levels of nitrofurantoin to build in your blood.
Can you drink alcohol when taking Nitrofurantoin?
You can drink alcohol while taking nitrofurantoin. Although, if you have a UTI, it is best to not drink alcohol. Instead, you should drink plenty of water to flush out the bacteria caused by the UTI.
Can you take paracetamol with Nitrofurantoin?
It is safe to take over the counter painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen while you take nitrofurantoin.
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