Nitrofurantoin and Chills: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Kat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 6, 2018

For Bladder Infection "By the third day of taking the med 100 mg every 12 hrs, my UTI symptoms were better, but I was now having chills, nausea, pounding headache, arms and legs ache like the flu, excruciating lower back pain, heavy pelvic feeling, unsettled anxious feeling throughout my nerves, and couldn’t work for a week. I returned to the doctor, but she kept me on it as my urine was negative at this point, day 4, and labs perfect. It just occurred to me now at day 5, after taking my 9th and 10th doses today, that it’s shortly after taking the med that all the symptoms start over. It’s awful, flu-like. I’m calling the MD in the morning. And after googling it, I found proof others have had the same. Thought I was going crazy!!!!!"

• hay...
• December 20, 2015

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "I read the side effects before taking this medicine, which you should probably never do, but I decided to give it a try anyway. Took one dose and was fine, after the next dose, I started feeling not good. Got the chills and a slight fever, and made my already existing anxiety worse. It did, however, make the urinary symptoms subside. However, when my original urinary culture returned, no bacteria was found? Needless to say, because of the side effects, I stopped after two doses."

• Lee...
• October 8, 2017

Nitrofurantoin for Prevention of Bladder infection "Macrodantin was prescribed to me to prevent UTI. I only have to take one when needed. During one month, I got four fever attacks with chills, headaches, and muscle cramps. Very much like flu symptoms. It goes on for 2 days, then I am fine again. Eventually, I realized that it might be this medication since I took one on a Friday evening, and the next day when I woke up, I got these horrible symptoms again. I read about the side effects and realized that this might be the cause."

• mis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 27, 2015

For Urinary Tract Infection "I take this medicine for urinary tract infections during pregnancy. I am on it now again for the third time. Take twice a day for seven days. The side effect I get comes right after the first pill. I get flu-like symptoms: sore joints, chills, sleepiness, and extreme weakness. However, no fever. Took one Tylenol and sweated it out while sleeping, woke up better. But, this medicine works really well after the first dosage."

• Mon...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 24, 2023

For Bladder Infection "Took this for a supposed bladder infection that was later nonexistent on culture. Started feeling bad the day after starting to take it. Terrible lower back pain, chills, feet and hands cold and tingly. Had 2 visits to the ER department and stopped taking them before day 5. I still don't feel right. Have on top developed photosensitivity and still feel like I have flu with lower back aches going to my hamstrings."

• Eri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 20, 2023

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "Would recommend against using this drug, as it's a roll of the dice whether the side effects will be serious or not. I began taking it for a UTI, and after the second dose, started running a high fever of 102-104 degrees F, having chills, body aches, and fatigue. None of these symptoms were present until I started taking it. After doing some looking and seeing that those were all possible side effects, I stopped taking it and changed over to amoxicillin. I only took four doses, but it was brutal. The only silver lining, if there was one, is that 400 mg of Advil was all that was required to bring the fever down and take care of the body aches and chills."

• Car...
• May 2, 2019

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "I took 3 doses of Macrobid for a UTI and started feeling awful a few hours after the 3rd dose. I had a fever of 101, body aches, chills, sweats, nausea, vomiting, couldn’t hold down any food. The next day, I was delirious, could barely form a sentence, so weak I couldn’t sit up. My hubby was so worried he called 911. They tested my blood to make sure the infection hadn’t gone to my kidneys — kidneys were fine. My urine was all clear. They gave me IV fluids, so I felt better. The next day, sick as a dog again. Home healthcare doc came. They ran a flu swab test — negative. They said if not better tomorrow, get admitted to the hospital for a full workup. They all told me to complete the 5-day Macrobid. I didn’t take it today because I would have thrown it up. Now that I am reading all these reviews, I am thankful I stopped!"

• Dcl...
• August 31, 2016

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "Only took 3 pills - was sent to the hospital for feeling like I had the flu with intense body aching, chills, migraine, and fever. I was in so much pain I cried. I am 18 weeks pregnant. I wondered why my OB office prescribed me a different antibiotic than in the past, but I knew right away something was wrong. It left me feeling poisoned and extremely ill. It's been 2 days since my last pill, and I still have pain behind my eyes, my neck, head, and back. I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS. IT'S POISON."

• Liz...
• May 24, 2015

For Bladder Infection "Started having symptoms of UTI, called my Dr., and they sent in an rx. I started taking it Friday morning. That evening, I didn't quite feel right. Took my second dose before bed on Friday. Saturday was the worst day of my life. I took my third dose that morning even though I was feeling pretty rough. I didn't think it was the nitrofurantoin monohyd macro (100 mg). Every joint hurt, from my ankles to my neck. I had shortness of breath, a splitting headache, and a fever. Chills that became sweats. I slept in a puddle of sweat. The sheets are soaked. My fever went from 101.5 and spiked at 102.3. I woke up on Sunday feeling much better. When I looked up the side effects on this drug, I stopped taking it."

• NTR...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 1, 2019

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "This is the worst medication I have ever taken. It was very effective in eliminating my UTI, but I had a severe adverse reaction to it. I felt extremely nauseated, couldn't eat, and vomited when I got out of bed. Then I started to have a dry cough and difficulty breathing. I also had a fever, night sweats, and chills. I was worried it was the flu or a kidney infection. I called my doctor and she told me to stop taking it, and all of my symptoms went away. I have never felt so ill while taking medication in my life. I didn't know I was allergic to it, but I'll avoid it at all costs from now on. I can't believe they give this to pregnant women."

• Ros...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 28, 2019

For Urinary Tract Infection "Where to start. I have fibromyalgia and I got a UTI. I usually never take medication, even Tylenol. After 2 doses over 2 days, I started throwing up. Then the headache began. I stopped taking them and found a bunch of other terrible stories from people with similar experiences. I’ve read it works to treat the UTI, but the side effects are NOT WORTH IT and I AGREE FULLY!! Today my elbows are aching and my shoulders and neck are beyond stiff. I’ve been sweating, then freezing. My chest feels like little pains and like it’s shaking. PLUS, antibiotics that kill UTIs and others kill the good flora bacteria in your gut. They do not give us access to all the clinical studies and info they’ve found on a small number of groups for a very short time. I will be in search of all-natural remedies and I will NEVER TAKE THIS AGAIN!!!"

• Tre...
• September 15, 2019

For Urinary Tract Infection "I started taking Macrobid on Friday, September 13, for a UTI. By the 14th, late afternoon, I couldn't walk. Went to bed, couldn't even get into my pajamas, my husband had to help. Felt like the worst flu symptoms ever, aching all over, shivers, and felt cold, headache, felt nauseous but didn't vomit, did have stomach upset. My breathing was affected, coughed if I breathed too deep. Rang 111, they told me to wait for an on-call GP to ring back. He rings at 11 pm and tries to tell me it's the symptoms of the UTI. I told him I'm stopping this medication and I wanted a different antibiotic. Still in bed at 1 pm Sunday from 5 pm yesterday. Still feel very weak, but nothing like I did last night. I'll never take this drug again."

• Ind...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 6, 2019

For Urinary Tract Infection "I’m so worried. I was prescribed this drug for a UTI, but after taking my second tablet, I thought I was going to die. Chills, fever, sweats, headache, and a hacking dry cough that wouldn’t stop. I was struggling to breathe and sat with a friend rather than sleeping that night because I was so scared. Really, I should have asked for an ambulance, but I was so out of it-and couldn’t speak for coughing. I’ve been to my GP, who switched me to something else, but a week on, I still have this horrible tickly unproductive cough. I honestly think it’s damaged my lungs. I’m so worried. Reading up on nitrofurantoin, there are many, many similar cases. Please: do not take this drug. I can’t stress enough. I can’t believe it’s prescribed by the NHS. I am 54 years old, healthy (or was), and have never had an allergic reaction to anything. This was poison, and if my symptoms don’t improve, I’m seeking legal advice."

• Kay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 15, 2015

For Urinary Tract Infection "I was put on nitrofurantoin for seven days, taken four pills evenly throughout the day. I haven't finished my course, I have two more days to go, but it has worked thus far. Previously, I was put on trimethoprim for 3 days, which I thought was helping my symptoms slightly, but now I realize that it was a worse medication since it made my backache badly, unlike this new medication. The only side effect, I think, is that I feel cold or I think I have had hot flushes (which weren't bad since I felt I was blushing throughout my face, and it wasn't that hot). My UTI seems to be gone and I can't wait until I am done with this."

• Joy...
• April 10, 2010

For Bladder Infection "I am 65 and in good health. I don't take any medicines except aspirin. I do get bladder infections every once in a while. I was given this medicine and had a terrible reaction. My whole body would start shaking like I was freezing or standing outside in the snow with no clothes on for 10 minutes. I would do everything to try and get warm and keep my teeth from chattering, but nothing helped. I couldn't walk right, it was like I had palsy. The only thing that gave me relief was taking two aspirin. In about 20 minutes, the shaking would stop. I went back to the doctor, and he couldn't figure out what the problem was... well, I'm allergic to this medicine."

• Sta...
• February 6, 2021

Nitrofurantoin for Prevention of Bladder infection "I had a hysterectomy a few years back when I was 38. I’m 40 now. I noticed a lot changed with my body after the hysterectomy, including constant UTIs after intercourse with my husband. This went on for months. I was on amoxicillin for so long, my body is now resistant. Urogyno decided to place me on Macrobid daily for 3 months at 100 mg once a day. I’ve been on it for the past 2 weeks. The good, I think it’s helping with prevention, which we all know having an infection is awful, so it does the job. I noticed it has increased my migraines. It has caused muscle aches, and my stomach feels more gassy and bloated than normal. I do get hot flashes and chills, not developed a fever. My throat is more dry, and I have a slight cough, but I have asthma and it’s winter here. I do feel nauseous without food. I will try this out for the duration of the 3 months and see if some of the side effects dissipate and make a conclusion on if the pros outweigh the cons at that time."

• Lau...
• March 7, 2015

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "I took my first pill of Macrobid last night, and it caused nausea, and it made me exhausted. I noticed when I was nauseous, I felt better if I ate something. It's like I constantly needed something in my stomach, but I felt miserable. I also had chills, so I'm guessing I had a fever. I'm about to eat a heavy breakfast and take my next pill, hopefully, this second dose goes okay. Otherwise, my doctor is getting a phone call first thing Monday morning."

• The...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 28, 2015

For Bladder Infection "I do not take any form of medication and am not allergic to anything at all, but prescribed this drug for a UTI, 4 x 100 mg for 7 days. After taking the tablets for 2 days, the headaches started along with an intolerance to light. Then I started to feel like I was having flu-like symptoms, chilly with aching joints. I felt lethargic and began to feel quite weak, with a feeling of not being able to focus properly and feeling dizzy. So much so, I did not feel comfortable driving. I spoke to my doctor and said I would not take any more (I was up to 5 days by then). The symptoms of my UTI are still there, and I'm going back for another antibiotic, will never take this drug again."

• Not...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 8, 2022

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "I have taken this medication twice for a mild UTI and had a bad experience both times. Fever, chills, body aches. I forgot which antibiotic I was given the first time. Not anymore. Never taking again. 52% reported a bad experience?"

• Ath...
• December 7, 2016

Nitrofurantoin for Bladder Infection "So I just had a breast reduction three weeks ago, and two weeks into the healing process, I got my first UTI. I consulted friends about the pain after urinating, and they suggested lots of water and cranberry juice, which didn't do much at all. A few days later, after consuming all that liquid, my kidneys started throbbing. I couldn't take it and went to the doctors. They prescribed me Macrobid. I'm currently on day three, twice a day with food. I've experienced fevers, chills, constant abdominal and kidney pains to the point of tears. The only thing that's stopped hurting is going to the washroom. I'm on this medication for four more days and hoping I recover soon. My body's under enough stress with the reduction/infection, so I'm hoping that this medication will clear the UTI up."

• Dan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 25, 2019

For Urinary Tract Infection "I was prescribed this medication, and by day 2 I was nauseous, vomiting (until there was nothing but green bile coming up), diarrhea, body aches, chills, sweats, and very weak and extremely cold. I have had UTIs in the past, but this was the first time I have taken this antibiotic. I had to stop taking it for my own health. I felt like I was going to die if I took one more dose of this stuff. I wouldn't say the pill is horrible, but it is not for me. I need another type of antibiotic."

• Lis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 12, 2016

Nitrofurantoin for Bladder Infection "I've been having repeat bladder/kidney infections... 5 in 4 months... have no idea the cause... being sent for a kidney scan. My last lot of antibiotics (currently) were these... I got to day 4 and was hit with a high fever, uncontrollable shivering, every muscle in my body hurt, sore back and neck, and a thumping headache. Took paracetamol and ibuprofen, and within 3 hours started to feel my temperature come down. The next morning I read the side effects... OMG... I was experiencing most of them, the wheezy breathing and cough now started. Because it's a Saturday and it says to consult your doctor if you experience any side effects. I've just stopped taking them... it was really scary. From reading the other comments, I think it'll take 2 days to start to feel better."

• b b...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 10, 2021

Nitrofurantoin for Prevention of Bladder infection "I took this drug for the first time for 1 day (2 pills). Heart pounding fast, had the chills, heavy chest, very dizzy and unsteady when standing. Had to go to bed. All night, had the worst headache I have ever had (haven't had headaches for years). Body ached, bad stomach ache, fever, had to throw up. Got no sleep. Never been sick like that. Refused to take it the next day (was prescribed 2 pills for 3 days). Awful drug - do not take. Have never had a problem with other antibiotics for urinary tract infections or prevention of."

• Min...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 10, 2019

For Bladder Infection "My experience is pretty much the same as others have described. Only taken 3, and I have had fever, chills, pounding head, neck pains, and extreme tiredness. They are all listed as serious side effects, so I am not taking any more. Taken on a previous occasion and didn’t have any problems like this. Just feels like the flu."

• Bos...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 29, 2018

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "Poison. I’m having severe side effects after four days. They came on gradually. Ears are very sensitive to noise, constantly ringing. My eyes almost feel like they have mini seizures when I watch something that moves too fast. My hands and feet tingled and got very cold to the touch, even when it was 90 outside. I quit taking it, and this morning I still woke up with a new side effect, difficulty breathing. I even asked the doctor for something else when he prescribed this, and he insisted this is what I needed. To top it all off, it wasn’t helping the UTI at all, my symptoms only got worse! Going to start Keflex today, and I pray it works!"