Drug interactions
Magnesium + Nitrofurantoin
Severity: Minor
Magnesium 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
Magnesium trisilicate antacids have been shown to reduce nitrofurantoin absorption. Other magnesium salts are less well studied, so the effect is probably small.
What this interaction means in plain words
Magnesium 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.
Magnesium belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract; Nitrofurantoin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Adsorption or binding of nitrofurantoin by magnesium-containing antacids reduces gastrointestinal absorption.
What to do
Separate nitrofurantoin from magnesium-containing antacids by about 2 hours.
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 Magnesium
- Ciprofloxacin + Magnesium Major
- Magnesium + Pancuronium Major
- Magnesium + Rocuronium Major
- Magnesium + Vecuronium Major
- Amikacin + Magnesium Moderate
- Amphotericin b deoxycholate + Magnesium Moderate
Other interactions of Nitrofurantoin
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Magnesium with Nitrofurantoin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Magnesium 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. Magnesium trisilicate antacids have been shown to reduce nitrofurantoin absorption. Other magnesium salts are less well studied, so the effect is probably small.
How serious is the interaction between Magnesium 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 magnesium-containing antacids by about 2 hours.
What other medicines interact with Magnesium?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Magnesium with, for example, Ciprofloxacin, Pancuronium, Rocuronium. The full list is on the Magnesium page.
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