Nitrofurantoin User Reviews & Ratings (Page 4)
Brand names: Macrobid, Macrodantin, Furadantin
Nitrofurantoin has an average rating of 4.5 out of 10 from a total of 1,879 reviews on Drugs.com. 29% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 52% reported a negative experience.
Reviews for Nitrofurantoin
- Anonymous
- November 17, 2016
Nitrofurantoin 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!"
- Anonymous
- December 12, 2009
Nitrofurantoin for Prevention of Bladder infection "This is a miracle drug. I used to get a bladder infection every 2 weeks, until my doctor prescribed this to me for daily use. I've been taking it every day for 2 years now and have yet to deal with a single bladder infection. Plus, there are no side effects for me. Being on this pill has made my life a lot more comfortable."
Frequently asked questions
- Lin...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- September 10, 2024
For Urinary Tract Infection "After reading these reviews, I felt I should comment as I had a positive experience. I took Macrobid, 2x a day for 7 days for a UTI. I feel so much better, and my only side effect was some diarrhea on day 7. I feel so much better!"
- Pol...
- November 22, 2013
Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "I am currently taking Macrobid for a urinary tract infection. I've been taking it twice a day for going on 4 days now. I was very very leery of this medication, because when I was pregnant 4 years ago, it was prescribed to me for a UTI. I took it and was really ill. I felt like I had the flu...weak, chills, nausea, horrible headaches. My doctor gave it to me and I was scared to take it, but with my last UTI the Cipro didn't knock it out. I'm happy to report that this time, I am doing fine on it. No side effects, but the UTI symptoms are pretty much gone. Make sure you take this ON A FULL STOMACH! Not with a glass of milk, not with a snack, not BEFORE eating...a full stomach!"
Are you taking this medicine?
Your review helps others make informed decisions.- Ant...
- August 2, 2019
Nitrofurantoin 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 a headache, racing heart, and severe anxiety. Day 6 was even worse, I felt jittery and confused. I didn'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."
- DDa...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- September 23, 2019
Nitrofurantoin 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 overreacting just got lucky. If you have things to do - don't take it. Can't get out of bed. And I am usually a workhorse. I am working anyway - with headaches, eye strain, and general flu symptoms."
- sha...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- August 3, 2017
Nitrofurantoin 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 having 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, it's not worth it! I'm praying this won't be forever."
- JLM...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- August 14, 2019
Nitrofurantoin 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 capsules 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!"
- SRS...
- August 15, 2019
For Urinary Tract Infection "I wanted to update other users as I returned to my doctor. She performed a thorough examination, and even though I am 12 days on from my last tablet, she believes the aches, pains, and infection I have picked up are all linked to the aftereffects of the drugs. I have also been having nightmares and experiencing acid reflux. I am reassured that my symptoms are linked and should therefore start to calm down. My doctor said it’s not unusual for some side effects to last for 6 weeks, but they should gradually lessen. She also said that stress can trigger further side effects. I was very emotional after being checked over, as I have spent the last 3 weeks feeling awful and was starting to think there must be something very wrong with me. As it turns out, it really has just been the nasty side effects of a drug that has been like a poison. I hope this reassures others who are in the midst of similar experiences."
- Fre...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- February 9, 2017
Nitrofurantoin 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."
- Lil...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- February 27, 2017
Nitrofurantoin 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 two other medications for UTI before I was prescribed this one. First, it was Bactrim, which a few hours after taking the third dose I got hives. Second was Ciprofloxacin HCl 500 mg, and I ended up with tendinitis in both legs. Thirdly is Macrobid 100 mg 2x a day for 7 days. My advice is to take it with a full meal. The only side effects I get are 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 okay."
- EmI...
- April 13, 2012
Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "I absolutely love this medication. Works really fast, I didn't leave me with any side effects, and makes me feel better within a few hours! I will never take another medication for a urinary tract infection again besides this one!"
- Kbj...
- August 25, 2014
Nitrofurantoin 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."
- Anonymous
- May 15, 2020
For Urinary Tract Infection "On day 3 of nitrofurantoin and don't feel well at all. Was awake all night, heart is beating faster than normal, night and day sweats, tingling in arm and leg, anxiety, shaking in hands, dizziness, and no appetite. Very nervous as I have never felt this way. First and only time I will be taking this drug. Calling the DR today to see what can be done. I would not use this again."
- Fla...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- May 27, 2020
Nitrofurantoin 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."
- swi...
- November 26, 2015
Nitrofurantoin for Bladder Infection "Be aware. I was prescribed this med both for recurrent UTIs 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 body-wide neuropathic pain and am in 'pain management' with no relief."
- Tif...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- March 16, 2019
Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "I've never done a review but wanted to on it because of so many bad reviews. The Macrobid is working great, no side effects that I’ve noticed from the meds. But before starting the meds, I did have a severe UTI with severe pain in my stomach and back, as well as nausea, dizziness, cramps, muscle weakness, headache, and flu-like symptoms all from the UTI infection. I felt like death. Which has all subsided since taking this medicine. I’ve read a lot of bad reviews but I think everyone fails to realize that UTI and bladder infections cause a lot of symptoms plus everyone reacts differently. I would take this again!"
- jth...
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- July 5, 2017
Nitrofurantoin for Prevention of Bladder infection "Before starting on this drug, I was going through a nasty cycle of UTIs and thrush. I would get a UTI due to intercourse, and after taking antibiotics to treat it, I would then develop thrush. The cycle happened about 7 or 8 times over the course of a year, even though my husband and I were taking every preventative measure possible and following doctors' advice (wash before and after, pee within 5 minutes, drink lots of water, etc.). I even saw a urologist to try and get to the bottom of it. I couldn't break the cycle until I was prescribed this. I don't take it daily; after we have had intercourse, I take one as a preventative. Since starting this medication, I have not had one UTI. I have no side effects. It has greatly improved my quality of life."
- Wha...
- July 30, 2014
Nitrofurantoin for Bladder Infection "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 out that 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 five and finally went to work today. I totally felt hungover."
- Amb...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- August 7, 2020
Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "Macrodantin was an utter disaster. Felt that I was getting better, then suddenly I had a raging upper urinary tract infection. Fever, nausea, vomiting, terrible pain. I had to be hospitalized with IV antibiotics. This drug is dangerous and should not be used as it gives a false sense of security."
- Ash...
- November 22, 2016
Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "Okay, I never ever post on review boards, but with all these high-level ratings for this drug, I just had to speak out. This drug is poison, literal poison. I'm only on my second dosage, and it feels like my body is shutting down. Right this moment, I am vomiting every ten minutes, my head hurts constantly, and my body is riddled with chills and shakes. I have followed the doctor's directions to the tee, taking it with food and all of that, and it still has made me feel miserable. Yes, it has healed my UTI almost instantly, but now the rest of my body is suffering and breaking down because of it. Please seek other options before taking this medication. Please, I beg you, this is a very strong, dangerous drug."
- sol...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- September 25, 2013
Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "I took this medication for 2 days and I'm calling the doctor this morning. I will not be taking the next pill. I feel worse than before, as if I have the flu. I cannot sleep, and I'm sweating hot and cold. I have headaches and feel nauseous even after taking the pill with food. This isn't for me at all."
- Ros...
- November 9, 2019
For Bladder Infection "Prescribed Macrobid 100 mg x 2 daily (first time ever) for a mild bladder infection. Had the 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 than how I’d felt with my UTI). I then developed shivers, aching with nausea and stomach cramps. I thought it strange I was getting the flu at the same time as a 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 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."
- Et_...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- August 29, 2015
Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "I have a very, very hard time with medicine. Even mild medications have made me extremely sick. I can't tolerate Cipro or Bactrim, and easily get UTIs. I was terrified this time when they gave me Macrobid because I'd never had it. Even Z-Pak made me very sick. And then I read these reviews and just cried at the thought of taking it. I went out and bought crackers and Sprite, etc., to prepare for what's been described here. Then I took it and waited... and waited... and waited. Nothing horrible ever happened. It's important to remember that everyone has a different experience. Don't even read these. My main advice with this med is to eat, eat, eat. If anything happens you feel is weird, just ask your doctor. But mostly, relax and trust your doctor."
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Other brands
Macrobid, Macrodantin, Furadantin
Professional resources
- Nitrofurantoin monograph
- Nitrofurantoin Capsules (FDA)
- Nitrofurantoin Macrocrystals (FDA)
- Nitrofurantoin Oral Suspension (FDA)
Other brands
Macrobid, Macrodantin, Furadantin
Nitrofurantoin 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 100 mg pills twice a day at the exact same time to get my body on a routine. Almost 3 days off of it and feeling back to 100%! I would have no problem using this antibiotic again!"