You should not take nitrofurantoin if you have severe kidney disease, urination problems, or a history of jaundice or liver problems caused by nitrofurantoin.
Do not take this medicine if you are in the last 2 to 4 weeks of pregnancy.
Before taking this medicine
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.
Do not take nitrofurantoin if you are in the last 2 to 4 weeks of pregnancy.
To make sure nitrofurantoin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
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 medicine is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby during early 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 this medicine.
Nitrofurantoin should not be given to a child younger than 1 month old.
 Nitrofurantoin pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (more detail)
How should I take nitrofurantoin?
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Take nitrofurantoin with food.
Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
You may mix your liquid dose with water, milk, or fruit juice to make it easier to swallow. Drink the entire mixture right away.
Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Nitrofurantoin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.
Nitrofurantoin is usually given for up to 3 to 7 days.
If you use this medicine long-term, you may need frequent medical tests at your doctor's office.
Nitrofurantoin can cause unusual results with certain lab tests for glucose (sugar) in the urine. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using nitrofurantoin.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
