Macrobid and Diarrhea: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Mbo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 27, 2018

For Urinary Tract Infection "I went to urgent care to get medication for UTI, and the doctor prescribed Macrobid. I took the first pill around lunch and felt totally fine, and took the second after dinner. I woke up the next morning and had terrible nausea, fatigue, and diarrhea. I thought I ate something strange the night before and continued to take my medicine twice a day. The next morning, same deal: fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, and this time, vomiting. It cleared up around the afternoon. My doctor recommends taking a probiotic a few hours before or after taking an antibiotic to lessen the effects of diarrhea and nausea. MAKE SURE you eat and drink plenty of water. It has helped, however, I switched to another antibiotic. If you have a sensitive gut like mine, I would try another antibiotic!"

• Cin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 8, 2018

For Urinary Tract Infection "OMG, guys, and can’t even talk about what my body is going through right now. I feel like I have morning sickness with food poisoning and the flu all in one! What the heck is going on? I took it for my UTI, and the first day was fine! The second day, that night, I started to get really ill. My heart was pounding, my feet and legs felt like pins and needles, tingling all over my body! I was sweating after that night. The next morning, I was so nauseous and dizzy with diarrhea, and I was so weak I couldn’t even walk, I was completely incompetent whatsoever around me! I started to feel anxious and nervous, shaking, and was about to drive myself to the ER. I stopped taking it on my fourth day, and I am still feeling like garbage after 12 hours later! The symptoms are still there, not feeling any better! Had to call out for work the next two days!! I always read that one of the side effects can cause nerve damage permanently. Never again!"

• Lis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 18, 2018

For Bladder Infection "Macrobid was by far my worst experience with a medicine. It was prescribed for my UTI. But after taking 2 pills only, I started feeling worse than before. My UTI symptoms were improving (which was great), but I felt sick. Extremely nauseated (I couldn't even drink water); had diarrhea episodes, it also lowered my blood pressure, so I felt weak and tired. I'll never take this thing again. I felt like I had been poisoned."

• Dee...
• April 26, 2018

For Bladder Infection "I've taken Macrobid a couple of times for UTI and have never had a great experience with it. I didn't have many side effects, just a little diarrhea, but I found it to be ineffective in completely getting rid of the infection. It did help as far as the symptoms went, and I felt better by day 3, but after finishing all the antibiotics, I still had mild UTI symptoms. I went to the store and purchased some of those Azo UTI detection tests, and it still showed positive for leukocytes in my urine. Luckily, I have some ampicillin and tetracycline at home, so I'm going to take those and see if I can't knock it out. If not, I'll have no choice but to see a doctor, but that's such a pain these days because they don't return phone calls and can't get me in for weeks. And I don't feel like spending 19 years in a germ-infested hospital or urgent care facility. So, my experience was that it did help but didn't cure the issue. Good luck, all!"

• M00...
• June 2, 2017

For Urinary Tract Infection "I was scared out of my wits to take this antibiotic after reading these reviews, but I am here to put your minds at ease. I'm highly allergic to penicillin and NSAIDs (Ibuprofen), so I have wicked medication anxiety when it comes to taking anything new. I had to take this for 5 days, and I was warned when I received this medication that it would cause dizziness, nausea, upset stomach, and loose stools, which is all I experienced with this pill. On the first day, I had nausea, upset stomach, and diarrhea, the second day, I had nausea and dizziness, on the 3rd day, I had nausea, upset stomach, and diarrhea. The every-other-day symptoms pattern continued the whole time I took this. Make sure you have a full stock of toilet paper at home. Pill tastes nasty."

• M00...
• June 2, 2017

For Urinary Tract Infection "I was scared out of my wits to take this antibiotic after reading these reviews, but I am here to put your minds at ease. I'm highly allergic to penicillin and NSAIDs (Ibuprofen), so I have wicked medication anxiety when it comes to taking anything new. I had to take this for 5 days, and I was warned when I received this medication that it would cause dizziness, nausea, upset stomach, and loose stools, which is all I experienced with this pill. On the first day, I had nausea, upset stomach, and diarrhea, the second day, I had nausea and dizziness, on the 3rd day, I had nausea, upset stomach, and diarrhea. The every-other-day symptoms pattern continued the whole time I took this. Make sure you have a full stock of toilet paper at home. Pill tastes nasty."

• Bre...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 3, 2018

For Bladder Infection "I really had no issues at all taking this medication. I was prescribed 100 mg twice a day, and I take it with a serving of cheese. The day I started, I had some loose bowels, but nothing too bad. I'm now on day 5, and my bladder infection hasn't cleared. I am still getting episodes of burning, and I have frequent urination."

• Alc...
• September 16, 2018

For Urinary Tract Infection "I was prescribed a 7-day course of Macrobid for a mild UTI. 2nd day: all UTI symptoms gone. Neon yellow urine. 3rd day: feeling like a cold is starting. Dry mouth, congestion. Back and stomach aches, but I dismissed it to PMS and a prior back injury. Pain was so unusual (not relieved by menthol gel and a heating pad) and only somewhat relieved by ibuprofen and sleep. 4th day: diarrhea, stomach bloating/pain, back pain, darker urine. 5th day: I began getting concerned that it may be liver pain after reading the drug's side effects. My pain is exactly around my liver. It has become unbearable, and all I want to do is sleep so I don’t have to deal with it. Darker urine. There’s a chance I will stop taking this medication early. I know it’s a big no-no to stop antibiotics early, but I’m getting a little desperate to feel normal again. Also concerned I may be doing some permanent damage to my liver."

• Job...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 3, 2016

For Urinary Tract Infection "Wasted my money on this antibiotic. Made me feel so nauseated for several hours after taking it, and gave me diarrhea, but I tried it for four days, twice daily, hoping it might treat the UTI I had it prescribed for. No such luck yet. Still having symptoms of burning, urgency, and frequency; now I'll be going back to the clinic to wait for hours and get a new script. Wait in line at the pharmacy, pay more money... Such a waste of precious time, money, and sick leave."

• Bet...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 3, 2021

For Urinary Tract Infection "I’ve had a constant headache and nausea that is very similar to a migraine since day one of taking the Macrobid. Cold sweats and dizziness come and go just before the evening dose is due, then the cycle begins again. Dose 3 resulted in severe stomach cramps comparable to food poisoning, paired with nonstop diarrhea. Feel like vomiting but managing to keep the broth I’ve been having down. So far, it’s been a nightmare. I’d rather have a UTI and a raging yeast infection."

• Lin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 13, 2021

For Urinary Tract Infection "Took this medication for 5 days, twice per day with food. It made me dizzy, gave me indigestion, and terrible stomach cramps. My biggest problem came about a week after finishing the course, I now have diarrhea every day despite taking a probiotic. Doesn't seem like it is getting any better, and it is very disruptive to my life. I don't think I would ever take this medication again just because of the diarrhea."

• gra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 2, 2021

For Urinary Tract Infection "First dose: weakness, fatigue, mild nausea, headache. Second dose: weakness, fatigue, fever, moderate nausea, chills. Third dose: EXTREME nausea, vomiting, fever, weakness, chills and hot flashes, chest pain, diarrhea, literally felt like I was going to die! Finally realized it was the medicine after the third dose. More intense side effects immediately stopped when I didn’t take the next dose, but it took me three days to recover from the loss of fluids and feeling weak. My doctor switched me to a different med and felt literally no side effects. Will never be taking this ever again no matter how many UTIs I get in the future."

• xan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 5, 2018

For Urinary Tract Infection "Was placed on a 7-day course (1 capsule PO every 12 hours) for a suspected UTI and bladder infection. Medication seemed to work right away after day 1 with no side effects. However, started having severe flatulence and diarrhea on day 2, although I took the medication after meals. Symptoms just got worse and worse with each dose. By day 3, I experienced muscle fatigue followed by elevated heart rate, nausea, chills, and fever before bed. Woke up in the middle of the night burning from the fever and couldn't get out of bed in the morning. UTI symptoms are completely gone, however. Not looking forward to finishing the rest of the course at all (I think I will discontinue if symptoms worsen). Keep in mind that side effects vary from individual to individual. If you're few of the lucky ones, you won't experience many of these symptoms at all."

• Lov...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 2, 2022

For Urinary Tract Infection "Started taking this 2 days ago as directed. My routine with antibiotics is 2 probiotic pills 3 times a day, 2 cups of probiotic tea, and 1 cup of kefir before bed. Usually, this helps prevent what I call the “antibiotic poops.” You know the ones. I do not doubt that this medicine works great for people. It helped my UTI almost instantly, and I experienced great relief. However, I began having diarrhea that was like a UTI. Constant, painful, liquid fire. I took Imodium and Viberazi since I have IBS to try and curb the issue. Huge mistake. It made the already horrific diarrhea 10 times worse than it was. My lupus began to flare up horribly as well. Maybe coincidence? This antibiotic is probably amazing for most of the population, but if you have IBS or lupus, talk to your doctor for other recommendations because this may make the symptoms from both a lot worse. If you’re a healthy individual, you’ll probably be fine."

• Mmm...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 20, 2021

For Bladder Infection "On it for 4/5 days it was prescribed. Unfortunately, one of the few with bad symptoms, which is why I stopped early. Nausea, watery diarrhea, stomach upset even days after stopping it still. Wondering if a couple of my meals weren't big enough. As well, would add a probiotic while taking it if I need to take it again. UTI cleared, thankfully, so glad as I had pain and burning. Just hoping these symptoms stop soon! Taking a probiotic now for a couple of days but still having symptoms."

• Wol...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 28, 2021

For Bladder Infection "SEVERE migraine. Worse migraines than I have ever had! Severe pressure in skull. Flatulence. I have Crohn's and this is worse than any diarrhea I have ever had! SEVERE nausea. So bad I have had to get a script for Zofran. Peeling and itching skin. How in the hell did this drug get approved??? I took approximately THREE PILLS!!"

• Ann...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 26, 2018

For Urinary Tract Infection "Started Macrobid 3-day course for a UTI on Tuesday morning. Fine for the first 2 days, seemed to be working, though I did notice that my urine had turned neon yellow, like Mountain Dew. Woke up at 6 am on Thursday feeling nauseated and anxious. Severe diarrhea began, closely followed by vomiting. I was shaken up and confused, I have never before suffered side effects from any other antibiotics. Stopped taking them immediately. Never touching those pills again."

• Sue...
• June 14, 2021

For Urinary Tract Infection "BEWARE: I’m glad that some of you had a good experience with Macrobid. It does seem to be really good for a stubborn UTI. My UTI is better after 3 doses; HOWEVER, after dose 2 (with food), my hands and feet swelled and began to have significant joint pain. Then came leg pain, bad back pain (kidneys?) and a headache in the back of my head. Became SOOO tired and weak. After dose 3, crazy, out-of-control chills, increased weakness, and hours of inability to take a good breath. All night long I had terrible trouble breathing, could barely walk to the bathroom. Was in bed for 18 hours. Got up for 5 hours feeling only slightly better and went back to bed for 12 hours. Now day 3 since first dose, and I can’t do anything. Breathing is better, but now diarrhea has set in. Just beware of the beginning of symptoms so you can be prepared to stop taking it."

• Ane...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 30, 2022

For Urinary Tract Infection "Absolutely horrible. I also, as someone here mentioned, never experienced any side effects from drugs until I took this one. First dose was okay. Second dose, I started feeling very nauseous to the point I was very sick. I haven’t even been this sick when pregnant! Bad diarrhea and feeling weak. I started thinking what it was as the symptoms of the UTI come on suddenly, and I was perfect prior to it. I stopped immediately, and today feeling much better but still weak as after having the flu. Bad stuff, DON'T TAKE IT!!!!!"

• Nur...
• December 23, 2017

For Urinary Tract Infection "I read one comment stating that symptoms while taking this med were due to the UTI itself. I can tell you from hard experience that this med has side effects, maybe not for all, but certainly for me. This has been my third and last bout with this med. I was encouraged to take it twice and had the same symptoms - severe headache, body aches, chills, nausea and vomiting, and diarrhea. The second time, I reported this and was switched to Bactrim, which I have never had a problem with. This time, I went to a doc in the box and Macrobid was prescribed again because it was the only med not to interact with my other meds. Same problems occurred. I am just recovering after 2 days of hell. This is real."

• Yog...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 10, 2018

For Urinary Tract Infection "I get recurring UTIs about every 3 months, and I have taken every antibiotic that you can name. Macrobid did make me feel so bad, with body aches, chills, headache, heart palpitations, diarrhea, and very nausea. I am trying to hang in to the end of the meds, but I don’t think I will take Macrobid again. But I feel pretty sure it has not gotten rid of my UTI..."

• Anonymous
• October 1, 2021

For Urinary Tract Infection "I'm on these tablets at the moment, and they've been causing me to be sick, chest pain, diarrhea, and also acid. I have no idea why these tablets are on the market. I was feeling so much better yesterday until I had to have one!…"

• Cma...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 13, 2019

For Urinary Tract Infection "Worse experience I've ever had. I'm pregnant, so I thought maybe it was the pregnancy causing all these bad symptoms, but no, it was a UTI. Abdominal pains, throwing up, diarrhea. I didn't even want to move. Took my last dose today, and I couldn't wait. Yes, it cured my UTI, but the side effects were the worst."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 25, 2018

For Urinary Tract Infection "Never again. Day one, I felt drowsiness, as suspected. Day two, nausea! I thought it was something I ate. I’m on day three now, and I felt nausea again, shortness of breath this time, and also mild diarrhea. I’m done taking this, and I’m going to call my doctor tomorrow. My UTI doesn’t feel like it’s there anymore, though. I will still never take this again. I’ve never had any side effects like this with other UTI meds. This is ridiculous."

• Qui...
• January 24, 2018

For Urinary Tract Infection "This is just my 3rd day on this medication, and I am not sure what to do. I vomit about 2-3 hours after a dosage, loose stool, horrible smelling gas, upset stomach, and neon green urine. However, my UTI appears to be going away. I never want to experience this again."