Drug interactions
Nitrofurantoin + Sodium bicarbonate
Severity: Moderate
Nitrofurantoin and Sodium bicarbonate: 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
Oral sodium bicarbonate may reduce nitrofurantoin absorption, and alkalinization of urine lowers nitrofurantoin's antibacterial activity in the urinary tract. This can reduce efficacy in urinary infections.
What this interaction means in plain words
Nitrofurantoin and Sodium bicarbonate 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.
Nitrofurantoin belongs to Anti Bacterial; Sodium bicarbonate belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract.
Why it happens
Increased gastric and urinary pH reduces nitrofurantoin absorption and urinary antibacterial activity.
What to do
Separate doses by about 2 hours and avoid routine urinary alkalinization during nitrofurantoin therapy. Check clinical response if bicarbonate is required long term.
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 Sodium bicarbonate
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Sodium bicarbonate Moderate
- Alendronate + Sodium bicarbonate Moderate
- Amantadine + Sodium bicarbonate Moderate
- Carbonyl iron + Sodium bicarbonate Moderate
- Cefditoren + Sodium bicarbonate Moderate
- Cefpodoxime + Sodium bicarbonate Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Nitrofurantoin with Sodium bicarbonate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Nitrofurantoin and Sodium bicarbonate 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. Oral sodium bicarbonate may reduce nitrofurantoin absorption, and alkalinization of urine lowers nitrofurantoin's antibacterial activity in the urinary tract. This can reduce efficacy in urinary infections.
How serious is the interaction between Nitrofurantoin and Sodium bicarbonate?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Separate doses by about 2 hours and avoid routine urinary alkalinization during nitrofurantoin therapy. Check clinical response if bicarbonate is required long term.
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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