Macrobid and Weakness: What Users Say

• Mom...
• December 11, 2019

For Urinary Tract Infection "Started Macrobid 5 days ago. I’ve taken Cipro before and it’s always worked well. My doc was on vacation, so I went to another clinic. She told me that they stay away from prescribing Cipro, so she suggested Macrobid and said it was well tolerated. First, I want to let you know that it did not work for me. I’m on day 5 & the burning right now is just as it was when my UTI started. When I started taking it, I felt nauseous, dizzy, balance issues, weak arms, depressed and weepy. This is out of character for me. I’ve hardly worked due to feeling incredibly weak and tired. I'm self employed and 4.5 of my days have been completely wiped out by this drug. I also have cramping in my feet and today I had bizarre facial flushing, hot ears and high blood pressure for 5 hours. I’ve always had normal blood pressure so this was scary. DO NOT TAKE THIS!"

• Ast...
• September 24, 2020

For Urinary Tract Infection "Macrobid was the worst antibiotic I've ever taken. I have never had a UTI, and when I saw my doctor, she prescribed Macrobid 2x daily for 7 days. I have taken plenty of antibiotics in my lifetime and have never had any significant side effects. Within 4 hours of taking Macrobid, I had terrible diarrhea for about 2 hours. After that, I was nauseous to the point of vomiting (and I never vomit). No medication has ever made me this sick before. I had chills, weakness, diarrhea, and vomiting all within the first 12 hours. However, I know you're not supposed to stop taking medications, so I took my second dose, and the symptoms proceeded to the point of not sleeping at all overnight. I stopped taking it the next day, and my symptoms resolved completely. I went back to my doctor and got a different antibiotic that I had no problems with."

• Dan...
• February 10, 2017

For Bladder Infection "Both extremes of Macrobid are accurate. I've had a lot of UTIs - to the point of having Macrobid prescribed with refills as needed. I never experienced any symptoms, and this stuff was like a miracle. It took 24 hours to kick in, and I felt great. I didn't get a UTI for 2 years and then just got one. I took Macrobid, and it has made me feel horrible! I feel weak, have no energy, am always dizzy, have headaches, diarrhea, bad pain around my lymph nodes, and always feel like I need to throw up. Fortunately, I'm a SAHM (stay-at-home mom), so I'm able to deal with it at home, but I had to have someone take my child to school because I couldn't get out of bed! Also, it feels like it hasn't completely started working. So it can be great and horrible, even with the same person!"

• No ...
• June 6, 2016

For Bladder Infection "Prescribed for a UTI. Long story short, I thought there was something seriously wrong with me. Severe body aches, joint pain, back pain, chest pain, fever up to 101.7, major chills, headache, feeling anxious, feeling depressed, crying, feeling irritable, fatigue, weakness, night sweats, tight jaw. This medication is dangerous, and I'm glad I stumbled across this site because I thought I was going crazy. I have one more day of this horrible medication, and I'll stick it out because I don't want to have to take any more antibiotics. 100mg twice a day for seven days."

• 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."

• Jac...
• 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 August 15. The doctor had told me that I am having recurring bladder infections so I shouldn't have sex during treatment, another reason being that I have a new partner. My urethra is getting all stressed out, and all I need to do is give it a rest and let the antibiotics do their work, and later wait at least a week after finishing the antibiotics 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, and I noticed it affects my nervous system - I get a lot of panic/anxiety attacks, fatigue, and weakness."

• Pol...
• November 22, 2013

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!"

• Tif...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 16, 2019

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!"

• Alo...
• 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 a 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 one day, was frightened to take any more."

• GCa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 6, 2019

For Urinary Tract Infection "I was prescribed Macrobid for a UTI. I know medications affect everyone in a different way. But this antibiotic made me so sick. I had severe headaches, nausea, and weakness. I was unable to go to work. I took the entire 7-day treatment even though it was making me feel so terrible. I thought it would be worth it if it cleared up my infection. But it didn’t clear it up! I still had the same symptoms, so I had to go back to the doctor. This time I was prescribed Cephalexin. It worked and with no side effects."

• Kat...
• August 5, 2014

For Bladder Infection "I took Macrobid for two days. By day three I was nauseous, dizzy, and had diarrhea. I felt weak and dizzy and almost passed 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!"

• cal...
• July 25, 2014

For Bladder Infection "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."

• Tan...
• August 24, 2016

For Bladder Infection "I used to get bladder infections all the time, but this time was by far the worst I've ever experienced. I managed to get myself into a walk-in, and they prescribed me Macrobid. The first pill I took, along with cranberry juice, made me feel 80% better. By the third day taking Macrobid, I felt 100% better. Definitely take it with a meal, though, I took it with something small because I was in a rush, and I felt very weak and nauseous."

• ljc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 31, 2013

For Bladder Infection "I got a bladder infection and was prescribed Macrobid. Within a day of taking it, I was so sick. My body ached all over, and I had a difficult time walking. My eyesight and balance were way off. I thought I picked up a virus at the pharmacy or doctor's office. Then I started having a hard time breathing, and I was hallucinating. That went on for 3 1/2 days until the 6th day when I broke out into hives from my neck down. Then I realized it was a reaction to the antibiotic. I took a ride in an ambulance to the ER, and for the next 3 days, I had to have steroids shot into my butt, and I'm taking oral steroids also. It's been 8 days since the ER, and my lungs still hurt, and I can't take a deep breath even with the steroid inhaler. My eyes are shot also."

• Anonymous
• January 18, 2012

For Urinary Tract Infection "I have been on Macrobid for 3 days now. I feel so nauseated. I'm so tired, and I can't eat or drink anything, except for a little water, without getting sick. It gives me a horrible headache, and I feel so weak. I am also allergic to sulfa medications (Bactrim), so the doctor gave me this."

• Nin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 4, 2015

For Prevention of Bladder infection "Prescribed Macrobid after misdiagnosis. 2nd day, I was yellow, vomiting, dizzy, weak. Hospitalized at hospital emergencies. Took doctors one week to confirm Macrobid was the reason for my liver failure. Almost lost my life."

• Jil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 24, 2016

For Urinary Tract Infection "After being diagnosed with a UTI, I was given Macrobid 100 mg 2x day. The first day was fine. On the second day, I noticed a lot of stomach pain after taking each dose. On the 3rd day, I woke up with a headache, abdominal pain, and a weak and ill feeling. I called my doctor to see if I could get switched to another medication. I felt ill, foggy-headed, and anxious the rest of that day. I did not like this medication and won't take it again."

• Nap...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 27, 2017

For Urinary Tract Infection "I started Macrobid yesterday, and I felt okay, but today I've had the most horrible, painful stomach cramps and the weirdest constipated diarrhea I have ever had. I am constantly feeling like I need to throw up, and the bowel movements and pain are what prompted me to do some Internet digging. I have taken four of 100 mg pills in two days, and I refuse to take another. At work today, I nearly tripped several times, and I was disoriented, felt sick, and had difficulty walking straight. There are other meds out there, and while I know that everyone reacts differently to medication, I seriously would not wish this stomach/abdominal pain on anyone; it is incessant and keeping me from sleeping. I pray for alleviation tomorrow, but fear it may take a few days."

• Mom...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 6, 2017

For Urinary Tract Infection "I began to take Macrobid (Nitrofurantoin mono) 100 mg caplets on last Thursday for a UTI. Within 24 hours, I had severe muscle aching, headache, and fatigue. Within 2 days, I had even more severe body aches, joint pain, extreme fatigue and sleepiness, dizziness and difficulty walking, as well as a fever of 101-102 degrees. I went into a walk-in clinic, but symptoms progressed, and by Sunday, I was in the ER thinking I was in septic shock. I assumed my infection had spread, I had no idea it could be a reaction to the antibiotic. After a barrage of tests, including a CT scan, the only possibility is that this poison was wrecking my health. This medication caused me a huge amount of problems. I stopped taking it yesterday and still have a headache, dizziness, muscle aches, and low fever. I can only hope the damage caused by Macrobid is not permanent."

• Jem...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 1, 2024

For Urinary Tract Infection "Successfully cleared my mild UTI, but not without some uncomfortable side effects. Definitely more gentle on the stomach than other antibiotics, but still experienced diarrhea the entire time. No nausea or vomiting, but definitely had dizziness and general malaise. Spent most of the 7-day course in bed because I was just so weak and off balance. My right arm developed a weakness/numbness that felt like I had laid on it for too long, except it didn’t begin to go away until I stopped treatment. Vivid, intense dreams. Developed some frustrating headaches the last few days of treatment, but nothing severe. Would prefer to take this again over other antibiotics if I had to, but I absolutely hope I don’t have to deal with this medication again."

• Mis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 22, 2022

For Urinary Tract Infection "When I had my first UTI, I was prescribed Bactrim. Later, I found out that I was allergic to it and developed some hives and rashes. Then my doctor switched it to Macrobid. It was great, I did not develop any side effects. The UTI was gone. Three years later, I developed another UTI. I told my doctor that I preferred to be prescribed Macrobid since I responded very well the last time I took it. But this time is different, I started to develop almost all of the side effects. I feel so weak, nauseated, and dizzy all the time. Loss of appetite and my vision turned out a little funny. But my UTI was better, except that the side effects just got me this time. I would say that Macrobid is a good drug for UTI. As we age, our bodies react differently to drugs, and indeed medications/vaccines are not a one size fits all."

• nor...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 5, 2017

For Urinary Tract Infection "I get UTIs pretty frequently, so as soon as I felt the symptoms coming on, I went to an urgent care. The first day of Macrobid, I got a headache. The second day, I had a severe headache, body aches, weakness, and malaise. However, I thought it was just my illness because I have never had an experience like this with medication before. Day 3, I am in hell and sicker than a dog. Severe headache, nausea, lightheaded, weak, fatigued. I called in for Bactrim. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICATION. I get that not everyone has this reaction, but the risk is not worth it to me."

• nor...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 5, 2017

For Urinary Tract Infection "I get UTIs pretty frequently, so as soon as I felt the symptoms coming on, I went to an urgent care. The first day of Macrobid, I got a headache. The second day, I had a severe headache, body aches, weakness, and malaise. However, I thought it was just my illness because I have never had an experience like this with medication before. Day 3, I am in hell and sicker than a dog. Severe headache, nausea, lightheaded, weak, fatigued. I called in for Bactrim. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICATION. I get that not everyone has this reaction, but the risk is not worth it to me."

• Jco...
• November 17, 2019

For Urinary Tract Infection "Cleared up the UTI pretty quickly. But on the second day, I started to have some side effects: nausea, upper abdominal and back pain, feeling very weak and tired. Eating a larger meal with the pill seems to help a little. Not the worst medication, but not great either."

• Mea...
• May 19, 2019

For Urinary Tract Infection "I normally would write off side effects as 'everyone has a different experience, don't try to discourage others.' However, I have just finished my second day of the Macrobid dose for my UTI, and I have never in my life experienced such unbearable side effects. Within about 2 hours of my first dose yesterday morning, I started feeling extremely nauseous, weak, brain fog, and horrible vertigo. I had to call out of work yesterday and today, almost unable to make it out of bed to use the bathroom or anything. This feels worse than just about any flu I have had. Not to mention, my joints all feel like someone hit them with a crowbar. I can't take this anymore, stopping the med ASAP. I don't even care about the negative effects of stopping an antibiotic prematurely at this point. By all means, take your doctor's advice, take this if it is prescribed to you, but listen to your body!!! Call them about any overwhelming side effects, don't put yourself through absolute torture if you don't have to."