nitrofurantoin
Nitrofurantoin is used to treat urinary tract infections. Nitrofurantoin is in a class of medications called antibiotics. It works by killing bacteria that cause infection. Antibiotics such as nitrofurantoin will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections. Using antibiotics when they are not needed increases your risk of getting an infection later that resists antibiotic treatment.
Full drug information on MedlinePlus →This is general information, not medical advice. Pregnancy and breastfeeding decisions should always be made with your healthcare provider.
Can taking nitrofurantoin affect fertility or make it harder to get pregnant?
According to the MotherToBaby fact sheet, it is not known whether nitrofurantoin can make it harder for a person to get pregnant. If you have questions about fertility while taking this medication, it is best to discuss them with your healthcare provider.
Does taking nitrofurantoin increase the risk of miscarriage?
Miscarriage can occur in any pregnancy for many reasons. The fact sheet notes that two studies including 173 pregnancies did not find an association between nitrofurantoin use and an increased chance of miscarriage, and it also points out that untreated urinary infections themselves might raise the chance of miscarriage. Your healthcare provider can help you weigh treatment options for your situation.
Does taking nitrofurantoin increase the risk of birth defects?
Every pregnancy starts with a background 3–5% chance of a birth defect. The fact sheet states that most studies on nitrofurantoin do not suggest an increased chance of birth defects; some studies have raised concerns, but design flaws make those results questionable, and overall an increased chance has not been confirmed. Discussing your individual situation with your healthcare provider is recommended.
Can taking nitrofurantoin during pregnancy cause other pregnancy-related complications?
The fact sheet notes it is not known whether nitrofurantoin itself causes problems like preterm delivery or low birth weight, though untreated urinary infections may increase the chance of these and other complications such as preeclampsia. There have also been reports of newborns developing hemolytic anemia after exposure late in pregnancy, which is why the manufacturer recommends using different antibiotics close to delivery (around 38–42 weeks). Your provider can help determine what is appropriate at each stage of pregnancy.
Can taking nitrofurantoin during pregnancy affect the child's brain development, learning, or behavior?
According to the fact sheet, studies have not been done to determine whether nitrofurantoin can cause behavior or learning issues in the child. Any specific concerns about long-term child development are best discussed with your healthcare provider.
Is it safe to breastfeed while taking nitrofurantoin?
The fact sheet notes that nitrofurantoin passes into breast milk in small amounts; in one report of 6 breastfeeding people, 2 noted diarrhea in their infants, and babies on any antibiotic can be watched for diarrhea or rash. The product label recommends against use when infants are less than 1 month old or if the infant has G6PD deficiency, due to the risk of hemolytic anemia, while use with an older infant without G6PD is unlikely to cause side effects. Your healthcare provider can help you weigh the benefits of treatment and breastfeeding against possible risks.
Source: MotherToBaby Fact Sheet
nitrofurantoin