Patient/caregiver was educated on contraindications for using Nitrofurantoin as follows:
- Nitrofurantoin, especially with prolonged use, carries the risk for compromised lung function, leading to episodes of exacerbation of shortness of breath, cough, and chest pain. So, Nitrofurantoin could be avoided for a safer antibiotic or used with extreme caution, in individuals with history of compromised lung function and chronic lung disease.
- Nitrofurantoin needs acid medium in the stomach for better absorption. When used concurrently, antacids containing aluminum, magnesium, and bicarbonate, as ingredients, can compromise the acid medium in the stomach and reduce the absorption of Nitrofurantoin. This can compromise the therapeutic effects of the antibiotic. So, Nitrofurantoin could be avoided for a safer antibiotic in individuals taking antacids containing aluminum, magnesium, and bicarbonate or used with extreme caution, by spacing Nitrofurantoin out by at least 2 hours from these products, to avoid the complication of poor antibiotic absorption and compromised therapeutic benefit.
