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Infections

Nitrofurantoin

Antibiotic
Other names: Macrobid, Macrodantin, Furadantin

FAA guidance

Acceptable with conditions.

Wait

24 hours

after the first dose

Source: FAA, MedGuide (FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine medication reference). FAA date 1 October 2026. Checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026

The FAA's MedGuide lists nitrofurantoin (Macrobid, Macrodantin, Furadantin) as allowed, for urinary tract infections (UTI), with a wait of 24 hours after the first dose and none after later doses or after the final dose, used as prescribed.

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More detail: nitrofurantoinThe rest of Crosscheck's reading, in plain wordsOpen

The MedGuide defines allowed as acceptable for use while performing flight or safety-related duties, provided the condition is stable/aeromedically acceptable and no adverse side effects are present, and says wait times are not determined solely by the medication: an extended observation period may be required to verify clinical stability of the condition.

  • 24 hours after the first dose: ground observation
Show the FAA's words: nitrofurantoinThe official FAA wording: three passages, each with its document and dateOpen
FAA, MedGuide (FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine medication reference) · FAA date 1 October 2026
Generic: nitrofurantoin
Brand Name: Macrobid; Macrodantin; Furadantin [INTL]
Drug Class: Antibiotic
Underlying Condition: Urinary tract infections (UTI)
Use: ALLOW
INITIAL Wait Time (after first dose): 24 hours
SUBSEQUENT Dose Wait Time (after each dose): None
DISCONTINUATION Wait Time (after final dose): None
Frequency Use Limit: As prescribed
FAA, MedGuide (FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine medication reference) · FAA date 1 October 2026
ALLOWED: The medication is acceptable for use while performing flight or safety-related duties, provided the condition is stable/aeromedically acceptable and no adverse side effects are present.
FAA, MedGuide (FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine medication reference) · FAA date 1 October 2026
Underlying Condition: Evaluating medication use requires considering the impact of safety of flight from both the medication and underlying condition. Wait times are not determined solely by the medication; an extended observation period may be required to verify clinical stability of the condition.
Sources and dates: nitrofurantoinOne FAA document, with the FAA's date and when Crosscheck checked itOpen

See also

Medication guidance alone does not determine whether a pilot is medically qualified to fly. The underlying condition, dosage, side effects, medication combinations, and certification history may affect FAA eligibility.

For informational purposes only. Not legal or medical advice.