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Taking nitrofurantoin with other medicines and herbal supplements

Cautions with other medicines

There are some medicines that do not mix well with nitrofurantoin.

Tell your doctor if you're taking any of these medicines before you start taking nitrofurantoin:

  • indigestion remedies known as antacids, particularly those that contain magnesium
  • cystitis remedies you can buy from a pharmacy
  • antibiotics known as quinolones, including nalidixic acid, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, norfloxacin, ofloxacin and moxifloxacin

Typhoid vaccines given by mouth may not work properly if you're taking nitrofurantoin. It does not affect typhoid vaccines given by injection.

Mixing nitrofurantoin with herbal remedies and supplements

It's not possible to say that complementary medicines or herbal remedies are safe to take with nitrofurantoin. They're not tested in the same way as pharmacy and prescription medicines.

Important: Medicine safety

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you're taking any other medicines, including herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.

Page last reviewed: 7 January 2022
Next review due: 7 January 2025