Nitrofurantoin and Fatigue: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Lis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 21, 2018

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "If you have a job, kids, or any sort of life, don’t take Macrobid. Wipes you out completely with sickness, extreme fatigue, and flu-like symptoms!! I lasted three days and just couldn’t take any more!"

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

Nitrofurantoin 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."

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

Nitrofurantoin 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."

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

Nitrofurantoin 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

Nitrofurantoin 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."

• Ani...
• October 20, 2016

Nitrofurantoin for Bladder Infection "The first time I used this medication, it was great. Just now, I was prescribed Macrobid again. It took care of the bladder infection symptoms in two days. Next day, fever was 104, headache, fever high only one day, nausea, fatigue, high pulse (100), stomach pain, neck pain, muscle pain, lack of appetite. Stopped taking this med after 8 days and will never take it again."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 29, 2019

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "I was given Macrobid 2x a day for 5 days for a UTI. I’m on dose 7 out of 10, and so far the worst side effect I’ve had is fatigue and mild stomach upset, but when I take it with food, that has seemed to be okay. Not bad at all! I’ve been given Bactrim DS before, and that one makes me nauseous, I’d rather be given Macrobid over Bactrim. Macrobid seems to be a gentle antibiotic with few side effects, at least for me, but everyone reacts differently to medication. I don’t tend to react much to any antibiotics in general, I guess I’m lucky! Would recommend Macrobid, as by the time I took around the 3-4 dose, I already had less burning upon urination. It works efficiently, and it works quickly! The UTI is gone, but I need to finish the last few doses so it doesn’t come back."

• Ean...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 11, 2019

For Bladder Infection "I was put on a 3-day course of nitrofurantoin in April and only managed to take 3 of the 6 pills due to vomiting and feeling like I had the flu. I was put on this again recently for 7 days and spent most of the time out of work due to nitrofurantoin side effects, banging migraine on the first day and after that came the excruciating stomach pains, nausea and vomiting, extreme weakness and fatigue, cold sweats, and general malaise. I did manage to fight through the 7 days - the side effects became less manageable as the days went by, though. I congratulate anyone who gets through a week's course and is still able to go to work, as this is the second time I've been off of work due to this medication."

• Ean...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 11, 2019

For Bladder Infection "I was put on a 3-day course of nitrofurantoin in April and only managed to take 3 of the 6 pills due to vomiting and feeling like I had the flu. I was put on this again recently for 7 days and spent most of the time out of work due to nitrofurantoin side effects, banging migraine on the first day and after that came the excruciating stomach pains, nausea and vomiting, extreme weakness and fatigue, cold sweats, and general malaise. I did manage to fight through the 7 days - the side effects became less manageable as the days went by, though. I congratulate anyone who gets through a week's course and is still able to go to work, as this is the second time I've been off of work due to this medication."

• lee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 21, 2019

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "I went in to the doc for a UTI and was prescribed Cipro. However, after 4 days of taking that and experiencing side effects like severe headaches and fatigue, my lab results indicated I needed to take Macrobid instead. YAY! Another antibiotic to try. If that wasn't frustrating enough, it's only day TWO of Macrobid, and I'm suffering. I've been having some of the worst headaches of my life and terrible nausea. I've lost a lot of my appetite and at times feel like I need to vomit. I've also been overly emotional, weepy, and sad. I'm so upset I have to take this for several more days, especially during the holidays. But if it gets rid of this UTI, I guess it's worth it? I don't know... I'm going to drink as much water as I can and maybe take some ginger for the nausea to see if that helps."

• Sas...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 31, 2017

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "I've had UTIs before that have been treated with Cipro with no side effects. This last infection was pretty bad, and the physician I saw prescribed Macrodantin, which I had never used. The first dose gave me a severe headache, and then the second dose put me almost under. The leg cramps were so severe my husband wanted to take me to the emergency room. They were so painful and came so often until I was scared. I had to call in sick from work because they kept coming, and I threw up and was very fatigued. I drank tonic water and orange juice, which helped the cramps, so I'm calling my physician for Cipro first thing in the morning, and I'll list this medication as an allergy from now on. The side effects were horrible and outweighed the benefits."

• dee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 27, 2020

For Urinary Tract Infection "Got this prescribed for 7 days for UTI. I am 30 weeks pregnant, and they found Strep B in my urine, and since I am allergic to penicillin-based drugs, this is my only option before IV antibiotics. My side effects are headache and pain behind the eyes (bearable), feeling like I haven't slept at night: daytime fatigue and weakness. I am finding myself sitting or laying down most of the day, especially 2-3 hours after taking the pill. I am on day 5 and am trucking along. 3 more days. It really helped clear up the awful foul smell of my urine. So yeah, not fun, but when there is no other option, you stick with it."

• Sus...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 25, 2019

For Urinary Tract Infection "I am a healthy, happy, energetic 77-year-old. I was prescribed nitrofurantoin for cystitis, two 100 mg tablets daily for 7 days. The 2nd day, I experienced nausea, headache, and extreme fatigue. By the 3rd day, I also experienced vomiting, tingling in my fingers, irritability, stomach pain, and fullness and pressure in my head. I stopped taking the drug after 3 1/2 days and started on amoxicillin. The nausea and tingling stopped 1 1/2 days after stopping the nitrofurantoin, but the headache, pressure, and extreme fatigue continued for another 15 days. My doctor said that the drug is not known to cause these symptoms. I have never researched a drug or written any review, but felt compelled to let people know that this drug does cause all these symptoms and more. Judging from the number of reviews, it would seem that these are not rare occurrences. Perhaps the pharmaceutical companies are not being completely honest about the side effects this drug causes and the multitude of people that are affected."

• Sad...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 28, 2019

For Urinary Tract Infection "I've had a few UTIs in my life, but never treated with nitrofurantoin, and never again. My first dosage was Thursday p.m., and by Saturday evening, I pretty much wanted to die. Horrible stomach pain/cramps, headache, drowsy, malaise, and I kept on taking it. It's now Thursday, and I woke up to a pounding headache and vomiting. Today was my last round, which I'm not taking. The UTI was way easier to deal with than this experience."

• ann...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 13, 2015

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "I was diagnosed with a UTI on Friday, 11-06-15, and prescribed Cipro, while the urine culture was done. On Monday, 11-09-15, the culture showed that Cipro was resistant, and I was prescribed Macrobid, since it was sensitive. I have been feeling so tired that I missed 2 days of work from the fatigue and brain fog/confusion. The medication has taken care of the UTI, but the side effects were more miserable than the UTI symptoms."

• Yan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 12, 2015

For Bladder Infection "I'm trying to be as objective as possible. I was prescribed for a bladder infection. I began to feel relief from my painful urination after day 3. I am currently on day 4, and I must admit the side effects that I have been experiencing are fatigue, tension headaches (primarily on the left side near my ear), hot flashes, cold flashes, body aches (not quite as bad as the flu, but still achy), neon orange-colored urine, nausea, and just general malaise. I still rate high because my symptoms, in my opinion, were far worse than the side effects. Leaving work early today to try to sleep this off. Hopefully, the next week and 3 days aren't any worse. Hope this helps someone."

• Yan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 12, 2015

For Bladder Infection "I'm trying to be as objective as possible. I was prescribed for a bladder infection. I began to feel relief from my painful urination after day 3. I am currently on day 4, and I must admit the side effects that I have been experiencing are fatigue, tension headaches (primarily on the left side near my ear), hot flashes, cold flashes, body aches (not quite as bad as the flu, but still achy), neon orange-colored urine, nausea, and just general malaise. I still rate high because my symptoms, in my opinion, were far worse than the side effects. Leaving work early today to try to sleep this off. Hopefully, the next week and 3 days aren't any worse. Hope this helps someone."

• 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."

• red...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 15, 2024

For Urinary Tract Infection "My first experience taking Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) for UTI. Followed therapy as prescribed (3 times a day for 7 days with meals). Negative side effects included: excruciating pain in the left lower neck region, followed by pain in the upper left chest/scapula/clavicle regions (am I experiencing signs/symptoms of a heart attack?). Applied OTC muscle relief cream to the areas, and the next morning the pain was gone! On day 6 of therapy, I experienced sudden pain in my right knee (again applied OTC muscle relief cream). On day 7, I woke up with excruciating pain in my right big toe, and I could NOT bend/pop my big toe (applied OTC muscle relief cream, and the pain disappeared). Other side effects experienced (per brochure) were generalized fatigue, headache, and feeling febrile. I am not sure how long it takes for Macrobid to clear your system, it has been 3 weeks since completing my therapy, and I am feeling less fatigued and febrile. Despite the negative side effects, Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) treatment therapy did clear up my painful UTI."

• Mww...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 8, 2017

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "I took Macrobid a few months ago for my UTI. Worked great. No side effects. This time after getting a UTI again, I was prescribed Macrobid again, but this time I'm getting all the side effects: fever, chills, body aches, fatigue, nauseated, etc. I will probably stop using it now. My UTI does feel a bit better, though."

• Bla...
• February 9, 2018

Nitrofurantoin for Bladder Infection "Had brand years ago for UTI & no problems, but this generic is awful! It was prescribed due to a small number of leukocytes in my urine, but my MD wasn't concerned about infection yet recommended I take it to be safe. Had zero symptoms whatsoever, but took the 1st dose after a full breakfast... mid-morning I was lightheaded with an aching neck. By afternoon I had a dizzying headache, lost all energy, legs felt like noodles, & got winded walking around the house. Night... barely could eat but took 2nd dose & prayed it wasn't the flu. Next day I woke up fine, but after breakfast... 3rd dose & was feeling flu-like again, but with intense cramping on & off the rest of the day (like ball up in a fetal position & just cry until it stops). I let my doc know I refused to take another capsule & left it at that. I've worked in pharmacy for 15 years & know not all manufacturers create their generic meds equally & these shouldn't be acceptable side effects."

• Kah...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 17, 2023

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "I would not recommend it. I’ve been on this medication for 3 days for a UTI, 100 mg twice a day for 5 days, and I feel horrible. I’m currently 11 weeks pregnant and have no appetite, nauseous, belching, thirsty, ringing ears, anxious, and fatigued. I’ve never felt so sick and miserable in my entire life. I WILL NOT be taking another dose of this medication."

• Bda...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 3, 2019

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "Their reviews really drove me away, and I didn't want to take the pills since I hate taking medication. However, I eventually decided I needed to take it. Symptoms cleared up after the second pill, and I didn't have any side effects until day 3 when I woke up at night with some nausea. Went back to the doctor the next day, and he prescribed me some Zofran to take an hour before the Macrobid. I did that and managed to get through all 7 days with only a little fatigue, some headaches, and some excess flatulence. The trick is to take it with food and lots of water and follow it up with a probiotic 2 hours after."

• ALN...
• January 7, 2017

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "It says on the bottle to take this medicine with food. This is probably why you are experiencing nausea and fatigue. It's a great medicine and a great alternative and preventative if you're like me and suffer from chronic UTIs."

• Chr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 21, 2022

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "I have been on Macrobid several times before in the past, but this time was different. My body could not handle it, and it worried me. I was vomiting, achy, headaches, and just overall fatigued. I know everyone is different as well."