Nitrofurantoin and Diarrhea: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Ste...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 4, 2019

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "I have recurring bladder infections/UTIs. I’ve always had anxiety disorder, and now I am wondering if it is due to taking this as a preventative dose since I was a teen. I had a horrible UTI, which I hadn’t had for ages. The doctor prescribed me this, I have been on it for 4 days, and I am so sick. Nausea, diarrhea, major anxiety, leg cramps, my muscles in my leg are so stiff I can't take it, also major shortness of breath. I will NEVER take this medication AGAIN! Worst medication I have EVER taken in my entire life!"

• Ven...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 29, 2025

For Bladder Infection "Really surprised at these reviews. I’ve been taking this medication for 3 months now at 50 mg for an embedded UTI. I have had no problems taking it at all. Literally no symptoms except for a few days in maybe some diarrhea, but nothing more. I guess everyone’s different."

• Mic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 1, 2019

For Bladder Infection "Never again will I let someone give me this for anything. So many other options out there, and you give someone something that makes them feel this bad. As others have stated, it makes you feel nauseous and bloated. The first day I had diarrhea, then I was constipated, and then diarrhea again. Achy feeling in my stomach and all over, just terrible feeling. Never again."

• bar...
• May 9, 2016

For Urinary Tract Infection "After eating food, I took one dose. Within a few hours, forced to bed, chills, projectile vomiting, and horrible diarrhea. Back to bed, chills continued, then horrible abdomen pains so bad, I wished to die. So not me. It was impossible to move. By morning, severe headache which lasted many days, pains in neck and Achilles tendon lasting for days. Unable to eat, slept 12 hours daily for a week. Checking online, I read a report stating these meds should never be given to a woman over age 50."

• Ell...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 1, 2020

For Bladder Infection "I'm on day two of taking 4 x 50 mg for 3 days. I already can’t wait for it to be over. Had full dose yesterday and went to bed fine. However, woke in the night with extreme stomach pain, went to the toilet and had dizziness and sweating. Feel sick to my stomach. Slight diarrhea also. However, my bladder symptoms have definitely improved, so I’m going to try to push through it, take the tablets, and stay in bed as much as I can today."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 21, 2022

For Urinary Tract Infection "Avoid this medication at all costs. I took it for 3 days and experienced all the side effects. The worst has been the dizziness and numbness in hands and feet. So dizzy to the point that I can't stand and have spent most of the last 2 days in bed. I have also had cramping stomach pains (so bad I was in tears) and diarrhea. My heart has been racing, it feels like I can't breathe. I stopped taking it on day 3, it's day 4 now, and I still feel absolutely horrible. If I don't feel any better by tomorrow, I'm going to the ER. I would way rather have a UTI than take this medication ever again."

• Ugh...
• September 3, 2019

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "I had apparently taken this antibiotic when I was younger, and haven’t taken it in years. This was the first time I needed it for a UTI, and I am experiencing unbearable stomach and abdominal pain, watery diarrhea, and dizziness like no other. Only on the 1st dose on day 2, and I ran back to urgent care to stop the out-of-control side effects. I’m allergic to most antibiotics, so I’ll be curious in what they give me. All I can say is thank goodness for the internet because I’ve wondered for years if I was the only one experiencing these side effects, and I am not the only one out there."

• Ixi...
• February 13, 2017

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "I woke up a week or more ago and found myself having to pee frequently. I thought, 'Oh, that's weird.' Then it began to smell funky, and I decided to go get a urinalysis done. It came back negative, but the doctor gave me some Bactrim anyway. Halfway through my treatment with Bactrim, I had an allergic reaction and called it in. They gave me Macrobid instead, and gosh, is it expensive. I took it for a few days for a total of 5 days on antibiotics, and my symptoms were gone, but something new was happening. I always felt fatigued and nauseated, especially when I woke up, and when I tried to eat, I felt like my appetite had left me completely. My stools had turned to diarrhea, and my stomach always felt uneasy. The doc took me off them."

• Kat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 2, 2019

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "After taking 2 doses, I got so sick. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and extreme fatigue, and the worst brain fog in my life. I had to stop, but my doctor then said the next best thing is Cipro. Oh my goodness! Cipro is the worst. Ruptured tendons? I think no! So, it was a fight to get her to prescribe Bactrim! Sad to say doctors listen to the drug salespeople rather than reading this review space!"

• Izz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 3, 2019

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "Used Macrobid for my UTI twice a day for a week, and my side effects were after my first dose. I had mild heart palpitations for approximately one minute. The second night using it (third dose), I had an onset of diarrhea immediately after, but it did not last the rest of the night. I had occasional ambient queasiness but did not feel 'ill' from this. No side effects were what I’d consider severe; I’d call them mild, and none that lasted the duration of the treatment. This is not a perfect medication, but so many of the other reviews sound so scary. Please don’t be afraid to try this medication. If you do experience bad side effects, please don’t stop the course without consulting your doctor. This leads to antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Do not flush pills down the toilet; please dispose of them properly or turn them into a pharmacy. Otherwise, they will get into water and also lead to antibiotic-resistant bacteria."

• Cee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 8, 2020

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "I was prescribed Macrobid for a very painful UTI. I had taken it once before for the same reason but couldn’t remember how it made me feel. I was prescribed it twice a day for 7 days. This time it took a few days to begin working, and I was thankful to have also been given an analgesic to help with the pain since this didn’t resolve that. It made me feel incredibly bloated, tired, dizzy, and gave me awful stomach cramping and diarrhea. Somehow, all of this was still better than the UTI, though, and I am now 2 days after finishing the round of medication and feeling better. Overall, it seems to have its side effects, but if you’re able to tolerate them, it should be beneficial for infections."

• Anonymous
• March 21, 2019

For Bladder Infection "I have severe health and medication anxiety, and after reading the reviews on here (like I shouldn't have), I was terrified to take this pill!! I have had an incredibly bad experience with an antibiotic in the past, so trying new medication, especially antibiotics, is very hard for me. But, I'm here to tell you a happy story. :) I was so terrified by these reviews I put it off for days. I wish I wouldn't have! The nitrofurantoin gave me relief from my bladder infection within three days and did not experience any of the terrible things people here have described. I did have some stomach issues while taking it (cramping and bloating, loose stool), but I have stomach issues, so this was no surprise to me. Take a good probiotic to keep that gut flora on track, and remember that everybody reacts to medication differently. Some people have adverse reactions while some tolerate everything just fine. If you take it and have poor side effects, stop taking it and contact your doctor. Otherwise, you're fine. :)"

• 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."

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

For Urinary Tract Infection "This drug had me so sick, I was in bed for 7 days. I was vomiting, had diarrhea, headaches, extremely weak to the point I actually fell down. I didn't even have the strength to roll over in bed, my daughter had to help me. Of the fourteen tablets I was given, I managed to take only five. And with each one, I got worse until my daughter finally realized it was this medicine."

• Rac...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 5, 2018

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "I experience recurrent UTIs. I have been prescribed a combination of antibiotics over the years, including Macrobid, Cipro, Bactrim, etc. The doctor rotates them. Never had severe reactions to any of them, aside from waves of nausea here and there and headaches. Was just prescribed Macrobid this last time and had the worst reaction ever. Thought I was crazy until I read the other reviews. Anxiety, heart racing, nausea, diarrhea. I stopped taking it immediately. I have never felt this way before. They changed me to Cipro, but I have so much anxiety from that last script I’m terrified to start the next. Anyway, my point is we can take an antibiotic for years and be fine, and then our bodies can change and have a reaction. Don’t immediately assume you will have a bad reaction, but be very aware of how you are feeling and stop if you experience any severe symptoms."

• Sab...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 13, 2018

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "I was prescribed this for a UTI because I have a high sulfa allergy. I took one pill and was fine with no problems, took it with food as prescribed and went to bed about 5 hours later. Woke up in the morning with my body aching so bad I felt like I had the flu. I was really spaced out, depressed, had diarrhea. It cleared up the symptoms for the UTI very fast, but I have to go to get a different prescription. I’ve had body aches all day and feeling so lethargic. I don’t recommend."

• Reb...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 27, 2019

Nitrofurantoin for Bladder Infection "I have been on Macrobid many times before, and each time I use it, the side effects get worse: weakness, lightheaded, faint, diarrhea, nausea... the list goes on. It feels like I have a fever. Please try to not use this medication. I am going to my doctor tomorrow to see if they can give me something else. This medication is not very effective."

• Nan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 26, 2022

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "I’m 62, postmenopausal, and have suffered with recurrent UTIs for over 16 months. After getting recent in-depth DNA testing from MicrogenDX, which showed E. coli, E. faecalis, and Klebsiella, the only 2 antibiotics that treated all 3 bacteria were Macrobid and Fosfomycin. My PCP decided to try Macrobid and prescribed 3 weeks of it at 2 per day. After only 4 capsules, I was far sicker than I’d been with the UTI. Drug sensitivity runs in my family on the women’s side, but occasionally there are drugs we can tolerate. This wasn’t one of them. I felt as if I’d been poisoned - severe nausea, chills, diarrhea, weakness to the point of being unable to walk, racing heart, and what can only be described as not even being aware of my surroundings. As soon as I discontinued the Macrobid, the side effects began to slowly dissipate. Now all I have left to try is Fosfomycin, and I’m hoping against hope that I’ll be able to tolerate it."

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

Nitrofurantoin 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!"

• owi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 24, 2020

For Urinary Tract Infection "Was told to take nitrofurantoin for 7 days for a UTI. My most severe side effects occurred in the beginning but subsided as I took more medication. Pill 1 - Fatigue and severe headache after napping and slight nausea, but no more urgency. Pill 2 - Moderate headache, fatigue, diarrhea; almost no pain (to me, it felt like contractions in the bladder) towards the end of peeing. Pill 3 - Fatigue. Pill 4 - No symptoms. Pill 5 - No symptoms; back to solid bowel. Pill 6 and on - No symptoms. By the last pill, I wasn't sure if the infection had entirely gone since my bladder was still 'sore.' I used to be able to hold my pee for hours (I know I shouldn't), but I couldn't hold anything in for about 2 weeks after finishing my meds. I'd advise anyone taking this to just be wary of the possibility of headaches/malaise and try to push through it by sleeping it off to see if it goes away. Also, you have to take it with a whole meal, not just a light snack. I found that eating more seemed to lessen the side effects."

• jil...
• August 1, 2017

For Urinary Tract Infection "The day after I started taking this, I started having major leakage and had no warning. I also had diarrhea but thought it was something I ate. I have been off of it for 5 days and still peeing while I sleep, while I walk. It's annoying. Plus, I still have the UTI. Not a fan of this medication."

• Ash...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 22, 2019

For Bladder Infection "Have taken Macrobid/Nitrofurantoin in the past for frequent UTIs. I also occasionally take it after sex to help prevent a UTI. I seem to not experience any side effects when I take one after intercourse. But currently taking a 10-day course of 100 mg twice a day for a UTI. I took a dose yesterday morning, and within two hours, I was extremely tired, and then got one of the worst headaches of my life. The pain went from my head down my neck and my shoulders. Nothing but going to sleep helped. I also get swollen joints. Have diarrhea a few times a day, but that is a side effect of most antibiotics. It definitely works, as long as you don't mind and can handle the side effects. I also get hot flashes on this medication."

• nev...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 25, 2019

For Urinary Tract Infection "Recently prescribed this antibiotic for a UTI. I'm on day 3 1/2, so I'm 1/2 way there. UTI seems to be clearing up, which I'm thankful for, but the side effects will make you wanna stay in bed and cry. I have had a severe headache since starting it, and it won't go away. Diarrhea, foggy brain, extreme tiredness, stomachache, to name a few. There has got to be something better out there. I feel like I'm in a bad drug commercial where I gave up one ailment to gain 10 side effects. I'm really hoping I can make it through the 7 days. Definitely something I will put on the NEVER TAKE AGAIN list."

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

Nitrofurantoin 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

Nitrofurantoin 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."