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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking nitrofurantoin (Furadantin, Macrobid, Macrodantin)?

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.

How should I take nitrofurantoin (Furadantin, Macrobid, Macrodantin)?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Take nitrofurantoin with food.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. Measure the liquid with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. 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.

Take this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Nitrofurantoin is usually given for up to 1 week after lab tests show that the infection has cleared. Nitrofurantoin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

If you use this medication long-term, your kidney, liver, and lung function will need to be tested often. Visit your doctor regularly.

This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain urine glucose (sugar) tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using nitrofurantoin.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Do not freeze.

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