Nitrofurantoin and Alcohol: Can You Drink Alcohol with Nitrofurantoin?

Dealing with a potentially stubborn infection like cystitis sometimes requires the assistance of antibiotics, especially if home remedies don’t appear to be working or you’re prone to recurring bouts of the condition. If you do need a little help, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of how your chosen treatment interacts with other substances, such as any medications you’re currently taking or even alcohol.

Nitrofurantoin (also known as Macrobid) is one potential treatment. It’s a hardworking prescription medication that starts working within a few days. So, can you drink alcohol with Nitrofurantoin?

Here, we’ll delve into the relationship between Nitrofurantoin and alcohol and what may happen if you take them both together. Let’s begin. 

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What Does Nitrofurantoin Treat?

Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic specifically designed to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs), including bladder infections like cystitis. It works by killing bacteria in the urinary tract, making it one of the most effective first-line treatments for uncomplicated UTIs.

Unlike many other antibiotics, nitrofurantoin is highly concentrated in your urine rather than your bloodstream, making it particularly effective for treating infections of the bladder and lower urinary tract. It's commonly prescribed to treat active infections and prevent recurrent UTIs in people who frequently experience them.

Understanding UTIs

As the name suggests, urinary tract infections (UTIs) affect the urinary tract, including the bladder, urethra, and kidneys. They may be treated with antibiotics like Nitrofurantoin, and lifestyle changes, such as avoiding alcohol, can help ease symptoms.

Considerations About Urinary Tract Infections

There are several points to consider when dealing with UTIs, such as:

• Drinking plenty of water: This helps flush bacteria out of the bladder and urinary tract
• Avoiding sugary drinks, spicy food, and acidic fruits: Can prevent worsening UTI symptoms
• Including probiotics in your diet: These encourage high levels of “good bacteria” that make it difficult for UTI-causing bacteria to form. Examples include low-fat yoghurt. 
• Drinking cranberry juice: While cranberry juice may reduce symptoms of recurrent UTIs, it does not eliminate the issue. Properly prescribed antibiotics, such as Nitrofurantoin and Trimethoprim, are the best course of action.

Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Nitrofurantoin?

Yes, you can drink alcohol in moderation while taking nitrofurantoin. According to the NHS, there is no direct interaction between nitrofurantoin and alcohol, meaning the medication will still work effectively even if you consume alcohol.

However, while alcohol doesn't affect the antibiotic itself, it's still advisable to limit or avoid drinking while you have a UTI. This is because alcohol can irritate your bladder and urinary tract, potentially worsening your symptoms and slowing your recovery.

What Happens If You Drink Alcohol While Taking Nitrofurantoin?

According to the NHS, alcohol doesn't affect Nitrofurantoin itself, so it won't cause a problem with the medication if you drink in moderation while taking it. 

Clinical studies have confirmed that older concerns about alcohol causing adverse reactions with nitrofurantoin were incorrect – there is no chemical interaction between the two substances.

That said, drinking alcohol while fighting a UTI isn't recommended for other reasons. Alcohol acts as a diuretic, which can lead to dehydration and make it harder for your body to flush out bacteria. It can also temporarily suppress your immune system, potentially prolonging the duration of your infection.

Nitrofurantoin with Alcohol Side Effects

Despite there being little evidence to suggest that alcohol interacts negatively with Nitrofurantoin, the NHS advises that you avoid drinking too much when suffering from a UTI. This is because it may irritate the bladder and urinary tract, and also exacerbate side effects such as nausea and dizziness. 

Can You Drink Alcohol with Macrobid?

Because Macrobid is a brand name of nitrofurantoin, the same guidelines regarding alcohol apply. Drinking alcohol in moderation is generally considered acceptable, but it may be wise to reduce or avoid alcohol intake while taking the medication to prevent irritation of the bladder and the potential exacerbation of side effects. 

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Nitrofurantoin and Alcohol: Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about drinking alcohol while on nitrofurantoin? Here are the most common concerns about mixing this UTI medication with alcohol.

How Long After Nitrofurantoin Can I Drink Alcohol?

There's no official waiting period required after taking nitrofurantoin before you can drink alcohol. However, it's best to wait until you've completed your full course of treatment and your UTI symptoms have resolved. This gives your body the best chance to heal fully and reduces the risk of bladder irritation.

How Much Alcohol Can You Drink on Macrobid?

While there's no strict limit on alcohol consumption with Macrobid (nitrofurantoin), moderation is key to achieving a swift recovery. Keep in mind that "moderate drinking" generally means no more than one drink per day for women and two for men.

If you choose to drink, limit yourself to one standard drink and consume it with food and plenty of water. However, when you're fighting an infection, even moderate amounts can irritate your bladder and slow recovery. The safest idea? Avoid alcohol entirely until you've finished your treatment and your symptoms have cleared.

Is There a Link Between Alcohol Dependency and UTIs?

Yes, research has established a clear connection between alcohol dependency and an increased risk of developing UTIs. Clinical studies have shown that individuals with alcoholism experience more frequent and more severe urinary tract infections compared to those who do not drink.

There are several reasons for this link. Chronic alcohol consumption weakens the immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off bacterial infections. Alcohol also causes dehydration, which concentrates urine and creates an environment where bacteria can thrive more easily. Additionally, people with alcohol dependency may have compromised liver function, which can further impair the body's ability to fight infections.

If you or someone you know struggles with alcohol dependency and experiences recurrent UTIs, it's important to seek professional help for both the addiction and the infections. Addressing alcohol use can significantly reduce UTI frequency and improve overall health outcomes.

Simplifying Healthcare One Patient at a Time

Obtaining the right treatment for conditions like cystitis can sometimes feel like an uphill struggle. Not only might you need to wait a while due to pharmacy processing times, but there’s also the potential awkwardness of receiving your medication in person. This is where Prescription Doctor can help.

With us, you can request your preferred treatment at any time from your own home. Answer a few medical questions, and our experienced clinicians will determine whether the medication is appropriate for your circumstances. Once approved, your items will be dispatched by our General Pharmaceutical Council-registered dispensing pharmacy in plain packaging, potentially for next-day delivery.

Our team is here to support you at every step, which is why we’re available to answer any queries you may have. We will also regularly check in with you to ensure that everything is progressing as planned. Meanwhile, our website provides extensive information on Nitrofurantoin and cystitis, including whether you can take the medication while pregnant and tips for preventing cystitis.

Let us take the hassle out of treatment. Begin a consultation with Prescription Doctor today.  
 

Authored By

Sam Jeans

Medical Content Writer

Sam has been a freelance writer since 2015, with extensive experience in the medical, scientific, and technology fields. He holds an MSc in International Development and Social Anthropology, bringing

Published on: 25/08/2023 Re-Published on: 10/02/2026

Reviewed By

Mohamed Imran Lakhi

MPharm - Lead Pharmacist

Imran Lakhi is the superintendent pharmacist and founder at Prescription Doctor. He has been at the core of our team.

Reviewed on: 10/02/2026