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Nitrofurantoin for Bladder Infection User Reviews (Page 2)

Brand names: Macrobid, Macrodantin, Furadantin

Nitrofurantoin has an average rating of 4.5 out of 10 from a total of 436 reviews for the treatment of Bladder Infection. 30% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 49% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Nitrofurantoin

  • No no...
  • June 6, 2016

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) "Prescribed for a UTI. Long story short I thought there was something seriously wrong with me. Sever body aches, joint pain, back, chest, fever up to 101.7, major chills, headache, anxious, depressed, crying, irritable, FATIGUE, weakness, night sweats, tight jaw, the list goes on and on. This medication is dangerous and I'm glad I stumbled across this site because I thought I was going crazy. I have 1 more day of this horrible medication and I'll stick it out because I don't want to have to take anymore antibiotics. 100mg 2x a day for 7 days"

1 / 10
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  • shadoow
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 3, 2017

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) "Please please please don't use this drug! Was put on it for a bladder infection that I didn't even know I had and have been nothing but miserable. When I first started taking it 100 mg twice a day I noticed that I had severe nausea even though I took it with food. Then body pains and head pains came. My head would feel so heavy that I could barely hold it up and my ears felt as if they were full of fluid. Then came the vision problems and trouble balancing and basically walking. I had to take time off work because I have been have a mental breakdown because of this drug. I am constantly crying or in full on panic attacks, I feel like any day could be my last. Please don't take this pill its not worth it! I'm praying this won't be forever."

2 / 10
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  • Jacki...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 17, 2012

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) "Macrobid (100 mg 1 capsule twice daily for 5 days). I have had a recurring bladder infection since June and it is now Aug 15. The doctor had told me that I having recurring bladder infections so I shouldn't have sex during treatment, another reason because I have a new partner. And my urethra is getting all stressed out and all I need to do is give it a rest and let the antibiotics do its work, and later wait at least a week after the antibiotics to finish to have sex. This way I give it enough time for the urethra to strengthen. Anyhow, I am on my third day of this medication, I noticed it affects my nervous system, I get a lot of panic/anxiety attacks, fatigue and weakness. "

5 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

  • mommy...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 19, 2014

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) "Had a severe bladder infection..passing blood clots in my urine, pain, bladder spasms and urinating every 5minutes. I am allergic to sulphur drugs, penicillin, cipro & levaquin, so macrobid is really my only alternative. This is the second time I have taken it, the first time I remember no real side effects, this time I have experienced severe headache after the first 3 pills, then that subsided. Now, on my 12th pill out of 14, I have mild nausea and dizziness and drowsiness...nothing unbearable and definitely better than the pain of the bladder infection. Hopefully, I won't get another bladder infection, but that's wishful thinking, but I won't hesitate to use macrobid again."

8 / 10
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  • Ninette
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 26, 2019

"I'm so glad I found these reviews but I wish I'd seen them before I took Nitrofurantoin. After 3 pills I started to feel really nauseous and vomited up any subsequent pills. I developed chest pains and trouble breathing. I stopped talking them immediately . Even so I spent the most uncomfortable night of my life waking every hour. I had to sleep on my back because if I lay on my side my chest hurt really bad. I couldn't get warm even with piles of blankets and the electric blanket on to warm the bed and I was shaking and shivering. I felt like I had the worst flu ever. Today I haven't been able to do anything and alternate between lying down and sitting as I have a really bad headache. I can't eat anything as it brings the nausea back. I'm with everyone who thinks this drug needs banning. It's poison. I usually don't react to drugs."

1 / 10
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Are you taking this medicine?

  • Vicky__
  • July 8, 2016

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) "After reading a lot of bad reviews I was hesitant to use macrobid as a treatment for a pretty severe bladder infection. However, I didn't experience many of the side effects that I read about. Although it did make me rather fatigued, I made sure to drink lots of water and took my pills with a nice healthy meal! I also took my 100mg pills twice a day at the exact same time as to get my body on a routine. Almost 3 days off of it and feeling back to 100%! Would have no problem using this antibiotic again!"

8 / 10
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  • Freaked...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 9, 2017

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) "I was prescribed Macrobid for a UTI. Within 12 hours of my first dose, I had extreme body and muscle pain from my ankles to my shoulders. I am 100% aware that many people can take Macrobid and be fine, I'm just relieved to read that some other people went through what I did for the simple fact that I thought I was dying! The morning after I started taking the meds, even my lungs felt bruised. I was too weak to hardly even walk. I returned to the doctor and totally thought they would hospitalize me. He wrote me a new script and sent me home. My mother and husband took turns taking care of me until I stopped vomiting and writhing in pain, which in total took days. I couldn't eat and even couldn't take care of my small children for two days."

1 / 10
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  • deede...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 24, 2015

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) "I had an extremely painful bladder infection and this medication worked by day 3. ...........I'm on day 6 now, one more day to go, The only side effect I had was feeling tired and achey but I slept more which helped. Also extreme anxiety from reading the scary reviews on here lol. This medicine saved me from a kidney infection."

9 / 10
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  • swim2...
  • November 26, 2015

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) "Be aware. I was prescribed this med both for recurrent UTI's and prophylactic use. After using it for years, I suffered full body toxicity and now have been completely disabled by this medicine. I presented to the ER on several occasions, with burning in my hands and feet, and to my doctor. Nobody made the connection. I kept using the medicine. I am now disabled with severe body wide neuropathy that appears to be permanent. It is a living hell. Beware using this drug long term. It has ruined my life. I am homebound with severe bodywide neuropathic pain and am in "pain management" with no relief"

1 / 10
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  • WhatN...
  • July 30, 2014

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) "I was prescribed Macrobid for a bladder infection on a Friday. I took the first dose that evening after dinner. I woke up Saturday morning feeling fine, took another dose, and it went downhill from there. We went out for breakfast, and the fun began, nausea, chills, etc. I had to go home and get in bed for the remainder of the day. I had a fever of 101.3. I had a terrible headache, joint pain etc. On Sunday, I was so freaked, my husband took me to an urgent care clinic. I was told that it wasn't the Macrobid, but that my bladder infection had become systemic. Baloney. I would wake up and feel fine, take the medication with milk, and whammo! Down for the count. I am now on day 5, and finally went to work today. Totally felt hungover."

6 / 10
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  • Rosie
  • November 9, 2019

"Prescribed Macrobid 100mg x 2 daily (first time ever) for a mild bladder infection. Had first one at lunch (didn’t read or anticipate any side effects). I was busy at work; began to feel increasingly ill with flu symptoms (way worse then how I’d felt with my UTI). I then developed shivers, aching with nausea and stomach cramps. I thought it strange I was getting flu at same time as bladder infection ! That night was horrific after a second dose; thought I was having an asthma attack (never had asthma before but felt like it ), palpitations, tachycardia. My upper back and neck hurt so much, terrible headache (unusual for me). Having read these reviews I’m a 100% convinced this was a side effect of the antibiotic; no other explanation. Still feel dreadful and ‘poisoned’. Started large doses of D Mannose as it’s a weekend. Anyone who thinks the symptoms are placebo are wrong! I wasn’t anticipating any reaction! This is a truly scary drug which I will never touch again."

1 / 10
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  • Dee
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 23, 2019

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) "No problems whatsoever. I'm on day 3 and most of my pain is gone. It didn't work as quickly for me as it did for others here, but I must have a bad bladder infection. Eat with the pill. Take it in a timely fashion. Remember that every symptom is not a result of the antibiotic"

10 / 10
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  • Gee
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 9, 2019

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) "Worst antibiotic I've ever taken. I went to a walk in clinic as I had back pain. They did a urine sample and said that I appear to have a low level UTI (even though had no other symptoms) and I was prescribed macrobid 100mg 2 x a day for 3 days. I noticed one day in that my skin felt a little tingly but thought I was just being weird. The end of the second day, I got this horrible joint pain (knees, bottom and elbows) that was so heavy and uncomfortable that I didn't take my final pill (I read about others side effects that they experienced). One day off them and my joints seem to be a bit better, but it's like when one symptom subsides, another arises. When I stand, its like I can feel the blood rush to my feet and my skin in my abdomen area becomes itchy! I will NEVER take this again and I hope that these side effects go away soon. Not impressed."

1 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 17, 2013

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) "Was peeing like crazy, approximately every 10 minutes. Decided to see my doctor, she prescribed Macrobid and within a day I can already notice results! I do feel a little queasy after taking this pill but more food always helps. This is the best thing ever! I now don't have to worry if my Co-workers would notice my frequent trips to the washroom, and I don't hurt anymore."

10 / 10
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  • Sam
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 5, 2019

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) "Going thru the reviews . Sounds like most of them are just on the wrong antibiotic. Nausea, fever, chills etc are also signs of a bad kidney infection. Not saying they are all like that, but some of them could be. "

5 / 10
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  • Alexi...
  • August 8, 2016

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) "I got a pretty bad bladder infection and got prescribed this medicine. I didn't bother to check reviews, as my infection was so bad that all I wanted to do was be able to pee. I'm on day 3. Symptoms barely better. On top of that, I now have bad pain in my lower back, a swollen stomach that hurts really bad, gas, constipation, and worst of all, I can barely stay awake. I'm exhausted. I have zero energy and I've been bed ridden since the first dose. My joints hurt, my shoulders hurt, I am dizzy and nauseous. And I take the dose with a decent meal to prevent stomach upset but it doesn't work. Worst part is that I keep having bouts of diarrhea but nothing comes out. I don't know if the medicine is worse than the disease, but I'm miserable."

2 / 10
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  • LDano
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 5, 2019

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) "I was prescribed Macrobid after phoning my GP with symptoms of cystitis. I sent a sample in for testing and was given a 7 day course. I hadn’t been given this drug before but, as I am 7 weeks pregnant, the options are more limited. My cystitis symptoms did clear up quickly on Macrobid, but I would never take this medication again due to the horrible side effects! I was extremely nauseous constantly, physically sick, lost my appetite, had no energy and had aching pains in my lower back, abdomen and thighs. I also suffered with constipation and severe bloating. I understand that drugs have side effects but I found them worse than the actual water infection, and we all know how awful they can be so that says it all! I’ve never reacted to an antibiotic before and will be asking for an alternative if I have another water infection."

1 / 10
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  • Mrs...
  • March 21, 2014

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) "This medication cleared my urinary tract infection symptoms within 24 hours, but left me feeling super sleepy and dizzy! I guess it's a small price to pay for relief. I'm glad I have a few days off work though because I would not be able to work like this."

8 / 10
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  • calaver
  • July 25, 2014

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) "I took this for bladder infection and I got so sick. My body felt weak, my stomach was upset and overall I felt like I had a bad case of the flu. My doctor said it was a side effect and gave me a different antibiotic."

10 / 10
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  • TSIBM
  • July 12, 2013

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) "65 years old, never had a urinary tract infection before, (now I know what they are!) probably had it for months, related symptoms to nurse friend, she said to call DR., sounds like a UTI. Doctor gave Macrobid prescription, 20 hours later after first couple capsules, had 99% relief. Continued taking for two weeks and didn't have side effects, as far as I could determine. I won't wait months before calling physician next time."

10 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • August 2, 2009

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) "I have been on Macrobid for a urinary tract infection for 4 days and still do not have relief. I have called my Doctor and he has now prescribed me a sulfa drug. I have used the sulfa drug in the past and it works quick. I am miserable on the Macrobid, exhausted, irritable, weepy, nauseous and a have a headache. "

1 / 10
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  • Saint...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 8, 2019

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) "I hated using Macorbid. It gave me ugly stomach cramps and headaches. I’m 26 weeks pregnant and it was either take this, or Bactrim. I was not about to take Bactrim. My UTI is gone, but I had to deal with a week of upper abdominal pain, headaches, and just an overwhelming sense of feeling like absolute garbage. Thankfully none of it went to my baby girl. That’s the only positive of this medicine, it goes straight to your urinary system."

3 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • January 3, 2016

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) "I had a stubborn UTI that was unresponsive to Cipro and starting to show signs of a kidney infection. This drug was a miracle worker. Within 48 hours I finally felt relief after a long, horrible wait of dealing with intense bladder pressure. I ate heavy meals with each pill, did not experience nausea or other GI issues. I was however tired ALL 7 days of this pill. I slept so much, I mean seriously this pill knocked me out. So that is frustrating, but will take fatigue any day over GI symptoms and at the point I started taking this drug I was willing to try anything to get rid of this infection. I was SO miserable. I just finished my last pill and noticed a dry cough with shortness of breath, so that's why I gave it an 8."

8 / 10
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  • Kathy...
  • August 5, 2014

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) "I took Macrobid for two days. By day three I was nauseous, dizzy and had diarrhea. I felt weak and dizzy and almost passes out. My Doctor told me to stop the medication. It turned out that my culture was normal and I didn't need antibiotics! I am now without the meds and I feel like I have a virus!"

3 / 10
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  • Sarah...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 8, 2019

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) "I strongly dislike the motives of Big Pharma and I think antibiotics are the devil because they destroy your gut microbiome. When you have a bladder infection, that could progress to ones kidneys, you take them with a metaphorical grain of salt. I took the first dose at 7:23pm. I peed at around 7:50pm with pain. Had the urge to pee again at 9:29pm and had no pain at all! I thought I felt tingling around 8:10pm like I could feel the fight between the infection and the drug. I feel a little foggy in the head. My bowels are definitely loose because I have wet farts and that is from someone is always constipated so I pity the fool who poops everyday and takes this medication. I also experienced vaginal leakage (mucus)."

9 / 10
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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.