Nitrofurantoin (oral): What Should I Discuss With My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Nitrofurantoin

Content provided by Cerner Multum, Inc.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking nitrofurantoin?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to nitrofurantoin, or have certain conditions. Be sure your doctor knows if you have:

• severe kidney disease;
• if you are urinating less than usual or not at all; or
• if you are in the last 2 to 4 weeks of pregnancy.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• kidney disease,
• anemia,
• diabetes,
• glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency; or
• any type of debilitating disease.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication.

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 passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not take this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast feeding a baby.

Do not give nitrofurantoin to a child younger than 12 years old.

Last updated:	December 10, 2007