Nitrofurantoin and Diarrhea: What Users Say (Page 2)

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

Nitrofurantoin for Bladder Infection "Macrobid definitely works. I had a terrible bladder infection that I noticed began to clear up within a few days of taking this antibiotic. In my personal experience, though, I had terrible side effects: nausea, dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, and hot and cold sweats. Although the week felt so hard to get through, please don’t be scared to try the medication. If you’re worried about side effects, make sure you are staying very hydrated and taking it with food. I would recommend having some Gravol ready as well, just in case. Good luck."

• als...
• November 11, 2016

Nitrofurantoin for Bladder Infection "I have been prescribed Macrobid 3 times in the span of a year for UTIs. The first and second time I took Macrobid, I had no side effects at all. The third time I took it, I had a 101 fever within hours of the second dose, shallow breathing and cough, and diarrhea. My fingers were tingling too. I immediately stopped taking it, and it's been not quite 2 days yet, but the fever is going away. I'm going to have to look into natural remedies for UTIs now. I admit that I thought everyone else on here was 'crazy' writing about their side effects when I had none...until it happened to me. Just because you didn't have any the first time doesn't mean you won't next time, like I did."

• fun...
• March 24, 2011

Nitrofurantoin for Prevention of Bladder infection "I took Macrobid for the second time in 10 years, told the doctor about how I am allergic to it, and he said, 'You will be fine.' Took 1 tablet Tuesday night, and for the next 5 hours, I was throwing up, passing out, and having diarrhea all at the same time. This is not for me."

• Bum...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 23, 2012

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "I suffered severe headaches and nausea for hours from the very first dose and every dose thereafter. I would feel faint, overheated, extremely tired; I slept with the windows open and the heat off (it's winter). Four days of taking Macrobid, I began to have loose stools and severe muscle aches and neck stiffness. I began to have a sore throat and a dry cough on day two. After stopping, within 24 hours, I began to itch severely. I've been off of it for 48 hours and I still have a headache and I use Benadryl for the itching. I was given Levaquin in one dose, then Macrobid 100 mg two times a day for 10 days by the ER doctor. But my primary doctor thought it was overkill and should have just used the Levaquin."

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

Nitrofurantoin 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."

• Ama...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 22, 2019

For Bladder Infection "Prescribed this nitrofurantoin for bad cystitis with blood in my urine and took 2 doses spaced out on the first day with food (Tues). Took the morning dose on the 2nd day, again with food, but by the afternoon I was unbearably nauseous. Started vomiting Wed afternoon and evening and had a temperature. Couldn't even sit up because I felt so sick. The doctor came out to me and told me to stop taking the tablets as I was getting side effects, which he said affect a lot of people. He tested my urine and the infection had cleared up already. Wed evening I had loose stools, and all day yesterday (Thursday) I was pooing water. Friday morning now, and I've passed about 10 water poos already. Three days of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea after only 3 tablets of this stuff. I'll report back when it ends. Still feeling awful right now."

• Jet...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 14, 2019

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "Went to Dr. as I had blood in my urine, no other symptoms, culture says UTI. Prescription Macrobid. First day I had a massive headache that hurt so bad I cried. 2nd and 3rd day, nausea and diarrhea with increased anxiety. 4th day, dizziness so bad I felt like I was sleeping drunk, sitting to standing was a nightmare and walking was difficult. Felt flu-like the entire time. It has been 2 weeks since I stopped taking it. Had to go to the Dr. again because the dizziness did not go away. Now I have an inner ear problem that needs to be fixed with therapy. Still feeling sick. 2 panic attacks and still an increase in anxiety. Random periods of time feeling like I can’t catch my breath. Will never ever take again. Also, fun side note, still have blood in urine."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 5, 2020

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "This drug was fine at first. By the second pill, it seemed as if my UTI was gone. If you don’t take this drug with TONS of food, it will mess you up. This drug also gave me severe stomach gas and diarrhea every morning. It also increased my appetite so much when I woke up that I had to eat something immediately or I felt sick. I really did not like being on this medicine. It messed up how I felt and just made me super tired and uncomfortable. I hope I never have to take it again."

• San...
• September 10, 2015

Nitrofurantoin for Bladder Infection "I was prescribed this medicine for a bladder infection and would never recommend anyone to take it. Obviously, it depends on your body type, but I usually have a high tolerance. I'm needing to head to the doctor's now because I've been experiencing painful headaches every day, sharp stomach aches, muscle pain, chills (hot to brutally cold: fever-type symptoms), tingling, light-headed, nauseous, eye aches, my urine went from neon green to dark brown, and as gross as it is, I haven't been able to take a proper poo, but every time I pass gas on the toilet, watery diarrhea-like stuff comes out, and I've seen some blood when I wiped. This medicine definitely didn't go well with me and is a painful experience!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 18, 2018

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "While this did clear up my UTI, I am now on week five of intense gas, bloating, diarrhea, and discomfort. It’s pretty embarrassing as an elementary teacher to be constantly burping and to have small children constantly ask, “What’s that?!?” as my stomach is making godawful sounds with me then having to bolt to the bathroom. I learned the hard way that the sounds are followed by gas which, unfortunately, is also accompanied by diarrhea. Nothing I have tried has worked to decrease these side effects. Like I said, it did its job, but was it worth this? Definitely not. I’d like to be able to fart again without having to worry about if I’m going to shart instead. It’s the little things."

• Zan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 1, 2019

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "The Macrobid did work for the UTI, but my, oh my, have I been having a bad time. I have been so, so nauseous since my first dose. I have actually vomited from the nausea. Severe diarrhea as well. It doesn't seem to matter what food I take it with. I can barely eat, I have no appetite and feel horrendous. I have also developed serious neck pain and aches in my arms, which can only be attributed to this drug as nothing else in my life has changed. I won't be taking this medication again, if I can help it. This has been the longest week of my life."

• Vic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 5, 2019

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "I took 3 doses of Macrobid and became violently ill, with nausea, diarrhea, the shakes, headache, anxiety, heart palpitations - you name it. I thought I was going to die. It has been awful. I'm on day 4 of trying to flush it out of my system and get my life back. Take anything for a UTI but this - it shouldn't even be on the market."

• Ast...
• September 4, 2016

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "Definitely would NOT take this again. I experienced headache, dizziness, stomach pain, diarrhea, muscle pain, tingling in my limbs, I was so weak. I really thought something was wrong, and it just so happened all this started when I took the first pill! I am definitely sticking to my ciprofloxacin! I know everyone's different, good luck to the ones that do take it :/"

• Mea...
• September 1, 2009

Nitrofurantoin for Bladder Infection "It works! I do have the wonderful side effect of diarrhea a few hours following ingestion of it (even with food), but it's a small price to pay. I am allergic to sulfas and penicillins, so there aren't many options. I've taken it before, and it works, so I'm happy with it overall. Good thing I only have to take it for 3 days, though."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 14, 2019

For Urinary Tract Infection "Oh my gosh, I am so glad I've read these reviews. I thought I was becoming neurotic! I had been diagnosed with breast cancer, and during the tests, I got an awful UTI. The pain was awful, especially when I had to lay on my tummy in the MRI scanner on day 2 of the medication. My doctor gave me a 7-day course, and I felt terrible. Just like everyone else, I had stomach cramps, loose stools, rapid heartbeat, the worst headaches ever, burning eyes, high temperature, freezing feet and hands, queasy, and unable to eat much as it hurt my stomach too much. I was so weak that I just laid down all day. I thought it was because I was run down after the cancer diagnosis, and I finished the course last night. I am so pleased to find out I'm not crazy and look forward to it leaving my system today. Can't tell you if my UTI is cured because I still feel so bad. But hope for a miracle and that I'll feel fine by teatime. Xxxx"

• Sta...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 21, 2019

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "Macrobid was the worst medicine I had for a UTI. I only took one dose before bed to start with. I felt dizziness, sweating, heart racing, and weakness. I don’t think I will be taking any more. I will be contacting my doctor for something else. I would not recommend. I had a UTI before and had a different medicine that did not give barely any side effects except diarrhea and a little nausea if you didn’t eat."

• mac...
• March 31, 2016

Nitrofurantoin for Bladder Infection "I was prescribed Macrobid for a bladder infection. After I took the 2nd pill, I got severe shortness of breath, chest pain, high fever, and diarrhea. Although not as bad as the first day, the symptoms continued into the second day of taking them. On the 3rd day, out of the blue, my vision was blurred/impeded by what I can only describe as bursts of light/sunbursts for about 20 minutes, followed by severe headache and fatigue. Very scary! My bladder feels a bit better, so I decided to stop the medication after only 3 days. Will ask the doctor for something else with less side effects if it continues."

• jes...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 25, 2013

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "I understand the good outweighs the bad, however, the past few days have been hell. I had honestly one of the worst urinary tract infections I have ever had. I need the relief, so I am going to continue with the meds. Within 24 hours of taking it, I had horrible diarrhea. I am pale, I keep drinking water."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 14, 2019

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "This has been the worst experience of my life with any antibiotic. I took my first pill about 8:30 p.m. last night. Two hours later, I started having chills. All throughout the night, I had the sweats and the chills, and my stomach felt a little messed up. I got up to get ready for work this morning and started having severe diarrhea. Had to call out because I couldn’t get off the toilet. It’s now almost 1 p.m., and I feel awful. Still having diarrhea, slight headache, my body feels so weak and like I was hit by a truck. I wish I never took this pill, I feel like I poisoned myself."

• Fog...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 22, 2019

For Urinary Tract Infection "Horrible! Tingling in my legs and hands, hot flashes, no sleep, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and nausea. I felt flu-like symptoms. This antibiotic and I were not meant for each other. I discontinued after my third pill. 100 mg every 12 hours."

• Ann...
• September 30, 2019

For Urinary Tract Infection "After attending a walk-in clinic today for a UTI, I was prescribed this drug and was told to take it twice a day for three days. A few hours after the first tablet, I had loose bowels. Then nausea began. I accepted that this was a stated side effect. Hours later, and still very queasy, I took the second dose just before bed. Roughly 2 hours after taking the pill, I woke up feeling shaky, dizzy, and very sweaty. Within minutes, I vomited excessively, and the vomit was very thick and heavy. After vomiting, I went extremely dizzy, close to passing out. I am not going to continue with this medication as the side effects are excessive. Further, when I was prescribed this medication, I was not informed of such side effects. I was asked who I live with - I explained that it is just myself and my 2-year-old. Knowing this, I believe that it was ill-advised to prescribe such medication as the side effects could easily have impacted my ability to ensure my child was safe."

• ls1...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 3, 2024

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "Unfortunately, I had a negative experience with Macrobid. First of all, taking it with food definitely helped alleviate the side effects slightly. BUT I already have a sensitive stomach due to chronic gastritis, and any time my stomach was empty, the nausea came on strong (regardless of how long ago my last dose was). I also experienced headaches and diarrhea. I felt no relief from my symptoms. If you do not already have other issues with your gut, I think you'll probably be fine taking this medication as long as you take it with food."

• Mis...
• June 21, 2019

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "I was given the Macrobid medication for a UTI. I took the first dose with food before bed and woke up feeling okay. I took the second dose that morning and headed into work. On my way into work, driving, I began to get dizzy, I thought I wouldn’t make it in. I arrived, then I immediately left work-went home with a headache, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, and body aches. I took another dose before bed to try and power through, then woke up the following morning unable to move, again with flu-like symptoms. My doctor told me to stop taking the medicine. And I will NEVER take it again. I am currently a day and a half off the antibiotic and still experiencing nausea, diarrhea, aches, and exhaustion. It is getting much better as time goes on, but I feel as if I wasted time on a medicine that made me even more sick when I should be UTI-free by now. My stomach is still so sensitive from this, so I cannot even go back on another antibiotic yet. Still have a UTI, missed three days of work, and feeling awful."

• cud...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 31, 2015

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "The only side effect I had from this medication was diarrhea, and frankly, I will take that over having to urinate every 10 mins! It took 3 days to get relief, and I may ask for another round just to make sure it's gone since I am going on vacation soon. I realize I had a really bad infection, and maybe that's why it didn't work right away. I did not get a yeast infection yet, which shocks me because I am diabetic and get everything like that."

• Lin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 6, 2024

For Urinary Tract Infection "Started taking this drug 5 days ago for a UTI. These reviews have me scared, and I was reading them because I felt more tired than usual. No stomach aches, no other problems, other than the UTI symptoms. Today is the end of day three, and I just woke up with severe cramping and diarrhea. I am hoping it goes away because my UTI symptoms are starting to improve."