Drug interactions
Calcium + Nitrofurantoin
Severity: Minor
Calcium and Nitrofurantoin: minor interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Antacids containing calcium may reduce the absorption of oral nitrofurantoin. Lower urinary concentrations could weaken antibacterial effect.
What this interaction means in plain words
Calcium and Nitrofurantoin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Calcium belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract; Nitrofurantoin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Adsorption or binding of nitrofurantoin by antacid components reduces gastrointestinal absorption.
What to do
Separate nitrofurantoin from calcium antacids by at least 2 hours. Monitor response of the urinary infection.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Calcium
- Calcium + Ceftriaxone Contraindicated
- Acalabrutinib + Calcium Moderate
- Alendronate + Calcium Moderate
- Atazanavir + Calcium Moderate
- Baloxavir marboxil + Calcium Moderate
- Bendroflumethiazide + Calcium Moderate
Other interactions of Nitrofurantoin
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Calcium with Nitrofurantoin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Calcium and Nitrofurantoin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Antacids containing calcium may reduce the absorption of oral nitrofurantoin. Lower urinary concentrations could weaken antibacterial effect.
How serious is the interaction between Calcium and Nitrofurantoin?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Separate nitrofurantoin from calcium antacids by at least 2 hours. Monitor response of the urinary infection.
What other medicines interact with Calcium?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Calcium with, for example, Ceftriaxone, Acalabrutinib, Alendronate. The full list is on the Calcium page.
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