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Who can and cannot take nitrofurantoin - Brand name: Macrobid

Who can take nitrofurantoin

Most adults and children can take nitrofurantoin.

Who may not be able to take nitrofurantoin

Nitrofurantoin is not suitable for some people. To make sure it's safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • ever had an allergic reaction to nitrofurantoin or any other medicine
  • porphyria, a rare blood disorder
  • glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, a rare condition that affects your red blood cells
  • severe kidney disease
  • diabetes
  • a lung condition
  • problems with your liver
  • any condition causing severe weakness
  • anaemia or vitamin B deficiency

Page last reviewed: 6 January 2026
Next review due: 6 January 2029