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Who can and cannot take nitrofurantoin

Who can take nitrofurantoin

Most adults can take nitrofurantoin, including during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Most children can also take it.

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: 7 January 2022
Next review due: 7 January 2025