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Macrobid User Reviews & Ratings (Page 3)

Macrobid has an average rating of 4.5 out of 10 from a total of 817 reviews on Drugs.com. 30% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 51% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Macrobid

  • Anonymous
  • January 18, 2010

For Bladder Infection "I am on my seventh day on Macrobid and still having UTI symptoms. I have nausea, headache, abdominal cramping, irritability, loss of appetite, weakness, joint aches, and tiredness. This is the most ridiculous antibiotic that I've ever taken! It makes me feel like I've been hit by a bus and still doesn't seem like the UTI is better."

1 / 10
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  • No no...
  • June 6, 2016

For Bladder Infection "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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  • kelel...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 4, 2017

For Urinary Tract Infection "My dr wanted to give me Cipro or Bactrim but since I have a pill complex, I asked for something smaller. He prescribed Macrobid and I came to this site to apparently scare myself before taking it. Well I'm here to tell you that this antibiotic was GREAT! As someone who has colitis and constant headaches, both triggered by virtually anything, neither were affected by this drug. I experienced zero side effects. I took 100mg twice a day for 5 days. I would take 1 capsule right after breakfast and 1 capsule right after dinner so it was always accompanying a meal. 5 days later, urine culture came back negative. This worked great for me! I didn't start feeling pain relief til day 4 though. Hang in there and take with meals."

10 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

  • Jwcki
  • October 2, 2019

For Urinary Tract Infection "NEVER again. I thought I was going to die. I was prescribed this drug for a UTI. 2 tabs a day for 3 days. 2 tablets in I was in so much pain in every inch of my body I couldn't walk. I felt like I had a pain in my chest every time I needed to take a breath and my headache was the worst I'd ever experienced. My vision was blurry and I was constantly thirsty despite being hydrated. I felt queazy and my skin was so sore to touch I couldn't even pull on my trousers. I know everybody is different but after checking about others users experience there is obviously a huge issue with side effects and this medication. I thought if I did manage to sleep I'd never wake up again. I tried pain meds but nothing touched this. I phoned my doctor and was told to stop taking them My experience was so horrendous I'm frightened to take anything else again. I'm hoping that once it's out my system I'll feel better but 4 days on I still feel some effects."

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

For Bladder Infection "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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Are you taking this medicine?

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

For Bladder Infection "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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  • mommy...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 19, 2014

For Bladder Infection "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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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 4, 2017

For Urinary Tract Infection "Very good experience with some minor side effects.....minor and worth having rather than being in the hospital with a kidney infection! I read some of the reviews on here. I have health anxiety and a bit of hypochondria and I am afraid to take medications. I was hesitant to take this one as well after reading the reviews. Only side effects I felt was some mild diarrhea, headache, some muscle aches, fatigue, mild pelvic and side pain and chills (which could have been from the UTI rather than a side effect of the medication). Please take the bad reviews with a grain of salt. Everyone responds differently to medications and my experience was good with this. Don't take UTI's lightly as they can lead into more serious problems."

10 / 10
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  • Dandy...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • June 30, 2015

For Urinary Tract Infection "I have been prone to uti's for years. I have been put on every antibiotic under the sun. For me, this is the antibiotic I would choose every time because it works and has minimal side effects. The only side effect I have experienced is a headache. I will take a headache any day over horrible bladder infection pain. Also, this antibiotic helps to clear up the infection within the first day of use, which is a plus for me so I am not in pain as long. (I have taken cipro, which made me throw up and cry, bactrum, didnt clear up my infection, and monurol which made me very sick as well.) It is important to remember to make a "pill sandwich" with this antibiotic. You eat a full meal, take the pill, and then eat some snacks after the pill."

10 / 10
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  • MN2
  • July 21, 2014

For Urinary Tract Infection "It worked really well to clear up my urinary tract infection and within a day I had no symptoms; however, I was so tired while I was taking this! I also would get feeling of nausea quite often and occasionally would make me vomit. I took on a full stomach but still got the feelings of nausea and fatigue."

5 / 10
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  • Mariemc
  • May 6, 2015

For Urinary Tract Infection "Taking Macroboid has saved my life! I have been prone to UTIs since I was sexually active and have had bladder infections by whole life. I have tried everything from Cipro (makes my feet swollen) to Bactrum (doesn't cure) amongst many others. I was very surprised by the other reviews so felt the need to write one because it has been the best medication to help prevent me from getting another UTI- as long as I take food with it, I am fine."

10 / 10
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  • Flash
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 27, 2020

For Urinary Tract Infection "I took this for a UTI. I found relief the next day. The only side effects I experienced were: dark brown urine, nausea, and upset stomach. It was very annoying to have to deal with especially after being at the hospital and enduring horrible pain from the UTI itself. I try to avoid taking this but I am glad I have it if I ever desperately need it."

5 / 10
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  • KriCro
  • October 25, 2019

For Urinary Tract Infection "This medication made me feel horrible. I had a UTI and was prescribed this Macrobid. I took one dose. Within about 15-30 minutes I felt so miserable. It worsened as the day went on. I felt anxious, dizzy, nauseous, my face tingled, and I couldn't concentrate. And the worst part was it was long acting, so it took quite some time to feel normal. I will never take this again."

1 / 10
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  • Aloui...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 4, 2021

For Urinary Tract Infection "I thought it was the end of me. Macrobid is one of the worst experiences I have ever had. I could hardly walk, I was short of breath, I felt confused and weak and had bright red cheeks. I think they should be removed from sale. My friend had also had UTI a few weeks before and told me how poorly she had felt when taking the antibiotics. I rang her to see what they were called, and yes they were Macrobid. How can these be allowed to be prescribed to the general public, it's shocking. I only took them for 1 day, was frightened to take any more"

1 / 10
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  • JLMQ
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 14, 2019

For Urinary Tract Infection "As other people have said, this is also my first time leaving a review for any prescribed medicine. I went to my UK doctor as I was having flare up symptoms of a UTI. I was prescribed Macrobid (6 capsuled to be taken over 3 days). I am pretty annoyed I didn't read these reviews before I took the first dose because I probably wouldn't have bothered, or I would have stopped taking it immediately and not continued thinking I just had a flu type bug! I haven't had the dizziness other people have described but that is probably because I haven't left my bed for 3 days!! I have had vomiting, headache, the worst aches and pains in my back and legs and generally feeling like I am dying! I am so angry about it as I have had to cancel some seriously important meetings thinking it was just an unfortunate illness and now I think it's this poison. Not happy!!!!"

1 / 10
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  • Lily
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 27, 2017

For Urinary Tract Infection "Please don't be scared to take this medication. I read the reviews and was horrified, but honestly the drug was very tolerable. I went through 2 other medications for UTI before I was prescribed this one. First it was Bactrim, which a few hours after taking 3rd dose I got hives. Second was Ciprofloxacin Hcl 500mg and I ended up with tendinitis in both legs. Thirdly is Macrobid 100mg 2x a day for 7 days. My advice is to take it with a full meal. Only side effects I get is slight drowsiness, and nausea close to the 12 hours mark of my next dose. Eat large meals before taking Macrobid and then snack throughout the day and drink lots of fluids. You'll be ok."

10 / 10
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  • DDano
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 23, 2019

For Urinary Tract Infection "I did not read any reviews before taking this and had no idea what was happening to me. Thought I had lyme disease. The muscle pain and headache, and dry eye sockets - I realize felt like very severe dehydration - despite drinking a lot. People who say we are over-reacting just got lucky. If you have things to do - don't take it. Can't get out of bed. And I am usually a work horse. I am working anyway - with headaches, eye strain, and general flu symptoms."

1 / 10
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  • Kbjoh...
  • August 25, 2014

For Urinary Tract Infection "I react and have side effects to almost everything I take. I'm allergic to Bactrim and doxycycline and Cipro is awful for me. No vomiting or flu symptoms everyone keeps talking about. Sometimes I get hot flashes (I'm 24) and an upset stomach but that's the worst of it."

8 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • April 12, 2017

For Urinary Tract Infection "Before your freak out thinking that you're gonna have the worst experience ever on this drug, don't! Most people who have good experiences don't come to these sites and write reviews, it's always the bad ones! I have terrible health anxiety and I'm sensitive to lots of drugs. I also had C diff 3 months ago (cured by at home Fecal Microbiota Transplantation) so taking an antibiotic again was pretty scary for me. The side effects I got were a slight headache and nausea for a couple hours after each pill, some gas but no other digestive issues (thank goodness!!!). I was feeling better on the 4th day and have one more day to go. Take it with bread to make it easier on your stomach."

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

For Bladder Infection "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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  • Vicky__
  • July 8, 2016

For Bladder Infection "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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  • Anonymous
  • November 17, 2016

For Prevention of Bladder infection "i would experience urinary tract infections multiple times a year due to sexual intercourse. I would always make sure that my partner and I would both wash off before sexual intercourse to cut down on the spreading of bacteria which helped but I still suffered from frequent utis. My doctor then prescribed macrobid. I have had no negative side effects with or without food and I have had ZERO urinary tract infections for the past 9 months. This medicine has really increased my quality of life including my sex life. Definitely recommend!"

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

For Bladder Infection "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

For Bladder Infection "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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  • Anti...
  • August 2, 2019

For Urinary Tract Infection "I was prescribed a 7-day course of Macrobid for a UTI. The first four days I felt fine and my UTI symptoms improved. Day 5 I suddenly began to experience headache, racing heart, and severe anxiety. Day 6 was even worse, I felt jittery and confused. I did't connect it to the Macrobid at first because I'd experienced no side effects the first four days. I felt like I was going crazy and was afraid to drive. At that time I thought maybe my symptoms were due to my blood pressure, even though I'd never had those issues in the past. Finally it dawned on me that it could be side effects from the Macrobid so I searched the internet and found several forums where people had commented and had the same issues I did. I did not finish my last two doses of Macrobid. I've been off the medication for six days now....my symptoms have lessened greatly, although I'm still having episodes of anxiety here and there but to a much lesser degree. I will NEVER take this medication again."

1 / 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.