Drug interactions
Dapsone + Nitrofurantoin
Severity: Moderate
Dapsone and Nitrofurantoin: moderate 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
Both nitrofurantoin and dapsone can cause oxidative injury to red blood cells, leading to methemoglobinemia and hemolysis, especially in patients with G6PD deficiency. Combined use may increase the risk of these hematologic effects.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dapsone and Nitrofurantoin can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Dapsone belongs to Anti Bacterial; Nitrofurantoin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Additive oxidative stress on erythrocytes producing methemoglobin and hemolysis.
What to do
Check G6PD status before use and monitor hemoglobin and methemoglobin levels or symptoms such as cyanosis and dyspnea. Consider an alternative antibacterial if anemia or methemoglobinemia develops.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Nitrofurantoin
Other interactions of Dapsone
- Bcg vaccine live + Dapsone Major
- Dapsone + Primaquine Major
- Apalutamide + Dapsone Moderate
- Belzutifan + Dapsone Moderate
- Bosentan + Dapsone Moderate
- Bupivacaine implant + Dapsone Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Dapsone with Nitrofurantoin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Dapsone and Nitrofurantoin can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Both nitrofurantoin and dapsone can cause oxidative injury to red blood cells, leading to methemoglobinemia and hemolysis, especially in patients with G6PD deficiency. Combined use may increase the risk of these hematologic effects.
How serious is the interaction between Dapsone and Nitrofurantoin?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Check G6PD status before use and monitor hemoglobin and methemoglobin levels or symptoms such as cyanosis and dyspnea. Consider an alternative antibacterial if anemia or methemoglobinemia develops.
What other medicines interact with Nitrofurantoin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Nitrofurantoin with, for example, Pexidartinib, Pretomanid, Aluminum hydroxide. The full list is on the Nitrofurantoin page.
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