Nitrofurantoin and pregnancy
Nitrofurantoin may be taken during pregnancy, but it is generally best avoided in the third trimester because there's a small chance it could cause problems with your baby's red blood cells.
Most babies will not have this problem, but your doctor may recommend a different antibiotic if you are in the third trimester of pregnancy.
Nitrofurantoin and breastfeeding
If your doctor or health visitor says your baby is healthy, you can take nitrofurantoin while breastfeeding.
Nitrofurantoin passes into breast milk in small amounts and is unlikely to cause side effects in your baby. But it's best to take nitrofurantoin only for a short time. If you need to take it for longer than a few weeks, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Do not take nitrofurantoin while breastfeeding if your baby has:
- jaundice – signs include yellowing of the whites of the eyes and the skin (this may be less obvious on brown or black skin), dark pee and pale poo
- glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, a rare condition that affects red blood cells
If your baby is not feeding as well as usual, has a stomach upset, or has oral thrush (a fungal infection in their mouth), or if you have any other concerns about your baby, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, health visitor or midwife.
Nitrofurantoin and fertility
There's no evidence to suggest that taking nitrofurantoin reduces fertility in either men or women.
Non-urgent advice: Tell your doctor if you're:
- trying to get pregnant
- pregnant
- breastfeeding
For more information about how nitrofurantoin can affect you and your baby during pregnancy, visit the Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy (BUMPS) website.