Nitrofurantoin (drug interactions)
Nitrofurantoin is a medication primarily used to prevent and treat bladder infections. However, it is important to be aware of its potential drug interactions, which can affect its effectiveness and safety. Magnesium supplements, for instance, may hinder the absorption of nitrofurantoin, so it is advised to take them at different times—two hours before or after the medication. Other drugs that can interact with nitrofurantoin include the live cholera vaccine, fluconazole, and methotrexate. Additionally, certain medications like probenecid and sulfinpyrazone can elevate nitrofurantoin levels in the body. With over one hundred medications known to interact with nitrofurantoin, including twenty-three that could lead to significant complications, it is crucial for patients to consult their healthcare providers about all medications they are currently taking. Those with specific health conditions, such as colitis, renal dysfunction, or peripheral neuropathy, should also discuss alternative treatment options with their healthcare professional.
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Nitrofurantoin (drug interactions)
DEFINITION: A drug used to prevent bladder infections.
INTERACTION: Magnesium, live cholera vaccine, fluconazole, methotrexate, gout medications, certain antibiotics
TRADE NAMES: Furadantin, Macrobid, Macrodantin
Magnesium
Effect: Take at a Different Time of Day
Magnesium supplements might impair the absorption of nitrofurantoin, so one should not take magnesium during the two hours before or after using nitrofurantoin.
Other drugs also interact with nitrofurantoin, including the live cholera vaccine, fluconazole, and methotrexate. Medications such as probenecid and sulfinpyrazone may increase nitrofurantoin levels. However, over one hundred medications may interact in some way with nitrofurantoin, and twenty-three of these may cause significant issues, so patients should talk to their doctors and pharmacists about their current medications before beginning treatment with nitrofurantoin. In addition, patients suffering from health issues, such as colitis, renal dysfunction, and peripheral neuropathy, should also discuss alternative options for medication with the healthcare provider.
Bibliography
"Nitrofurantoin Drug Interactions." Drugs.com, www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/nitrofurantoin-index.html. Accessed 8 Sept. 2024.
"Nitrofurantoin (Oral Route) Description and Brand Names." Mayo Clinic, 1 May 2023, www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/nitrofurantoin-oral-route/precautions/drg-20065102. Accessed 8 Sept. 2024.
"Nitrofurantoin: Side Effects, Uses, Dosage, Interactions, Warnings." RxList, www.rxlist.com/nitrofurantoin/generic-drug.htm. Accessed 8 Sept. 2024.
Pronsky, Z. M., et al. Food Medication Interactions. 18th ed., Food-Medication Interactions, 2015.