Nitrofurantoin and Fatigue: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Ear...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 18, 2021

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "I also was extremely sick taking this medication. Ironically, it happened twice - the first time I was able to stomach the whole dose, but recently I had to stop after the second pill and switch to Bactrim, and then had zero issues. Macrobid left me fatigued, headaches, dizzy, aches, pounding heart, and I even threw up. Felt like the start of the flu, but worse! Will never take again."

• Ean...
• April 30, 2019

For Urinary Tract Infection "I suffer from recurring UTIs and was put on trimethoprim the last time, which worked fine. Went into the walk-in center on Sunday and was prescribed a 3-day course of nitrofurantoin. Took the first dose on a full stomach as instructed and started getting a sharp pain in my stomach and a strong urge to go to the toilet. I also felt extremely fatigued. I have IBD, so I just assumed I was having a flare-up. The next day, I started getting flu-like symptoms, fast heart rate, nausea, severe migraine, etc., and was sent home from work. Had no appetite that night and could not sleep (kept waking up with night sweats). I am back to work today, and I feel even worse. Left arm is itchy and red, and my hands and feet are tingly, and they feel so weak. No matter how much water I drink, my mouth feels so dry, and I still have a slight burn and discomfort when I urinate. Have a doctor’s appointment in an hour, so hopefully he prescribes me something different. Never again."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• July 24, 2011

For Bladder Infection "I had a bad reaction to this medicine. I only took it for 5 days (100 mg each night). The third day, I started to have terrible headaches, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, and pale skin. Now I have like a flu. I decided to stop it. I feel miserable. Too many side effects."

• Jay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 7, 2017

For Urinary Tract Infection "Scary drug for me. I took it for a UTI one month ago and developed a small rash around my ankles and felt 'winded,' breathing feeling for the first two days, but then was fine. Unfortunately, contracted another UTI this month and took Nitrofurantoin again-terrifying experience! After the second dose, I developed long-lasting chills, but my skin felt very hot. Painful cramping in my legs. Red rash all over my thighs. Migraine headache. Extreme fatigue, but could not fall asleep. The worst part was that I eventually could barely breathe, my heart was racing, and had to administer an Epipen, then head straight for the ER. This medication works, but I unfortunately experienced severe side effects and therefore cannot recommend it."

• Fru...
• July 12, 2018

Nitrofurantoin for Bladder Infection "I wouldn't normally feel compelled to write a review on a drug, but my experience with Macrobid was so horrible that I would like to discourage other people from taking it if they have another option. I was given seven days of Macrobid to try to clear up a bladder infection. I felt incredibly nauseous at first and thought it was in relation to the bladder infection. By day two or three, I threw up, again, I thought I wasn't doing something right (maybe I hadn't been drinking enough water). So then I started taking the medication with more fluids. My bladder infection seemed to go away, but I was experiencing so many other symptoms (nausea, my body felt incredibly fatigued, migraine-like headaches) that felt worse than the bladder infection itself. I thought something was wrong, and after reading other reviews, I realized what the problem was. After 6.5 days of being on the medication, my bladder infection has returned. Macrobid was a complete waste of time, energy, and physical health."

• Maz...
• March 22, 2017

For Urinary Tract Infection "I've taken antibiotics many times before in my life, but with nitrofurantoin, I experienced really bad headaches after day one. Quit taking them for 48 hours, headache cleared rapidly, then recommenced course...same again...very bad headaches, energy loss, feeling very weak and nauseous...have ceased now and feel better again. Now I just have to clear up my UTI! Yes, reaction to antibiotic far worse than UTI. Be wary of this one, though everyone's different."

• Ste...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 7, 2016

For Bladder Infection "Prescribed 150 mg 4 times a day for 7 days. I now have thrush, headache, nausea, still have backache, dry mouth, fatigue, and worst of all, my words get jumbled when I'm talking. Have 4 doses left to take and feel it's too late to swap. I'll never take this again. A dangerous drug. Give me the 3 tablet course next time - works a treat."

• Lac...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 7, 2016

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "I was prescribed for a very painful UTI. After 3 days, I felt no relief. The 4th day, I began to feel better but very fatigued. The 5th day, I developed a rash on my scalp. I thought it was shingles. I woke up the 6th day with extreme itching and discomfort. The rash had spread to my shoulders and eventually down my chest and to my waistline. I went to my doctor who took me off Macrobid, switched me to Cipro for another round of antibiotics, and prescribed a shampoo and topical ointment for the rash. I wish I had changed antibiotics that 4th day. This is miserable, red itchy welts everywhere, and low-grade fever."

• Uni...
• December 30, 2015

For Urinary Tract Infection "Started taking this medication this morning, with the only UTI-related side effect being fever and fatigue. Now, since taking two doses of Nitrofurantoin, I have excruciating shoulder and neck pain. In case a UTI wasn't uncomfortable enough by itself, now, as much as I want to sleep, I can't even lay down without constant muscle pain. I will be contacting my primary care doctor in the morning to send in another prescription because this is unbearable."

• EV2...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 31, 2015

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "After my UTI reoccurred, my doctor prescribed me Macrobid. I took the new antibiotics about 9 days after completing the Cipro antibiotics, and I felt better after the 3rd day of using the pills. I did have neon urine, which was typical. There was a drastic change in my sleeping pattern, all I wanted to do was sleep. Fatigue was a side effect. I woke up to a headache/unsettled stomach (ate a heavy meal with a pill) a few times. Now, 7 days in, my old symptoms are back up. I didn't drink as much H2O the first few days, but I've since amped the amount of water I intake. I also bought cranberry pills to hopefully help clear it up. Don't feel like throwing out more cash or another doctor's visit."

• Uti...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 23, 2015

For Urinary Tract Infection "Prescribed twice a day for 7 days, and it started working after the second pill. I can say it has helped the condition greatly, but I have been fatigued, sleepy, with some backache. Have two days to go and can't wait. It does get the job done, so the side effects are worth it."

• Nee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 28, 2018

For Bladder Infection "I took Nitrofurantoin for 7 days for a UTI. It has been the single worst experience of my life. I finished the course 6 weeks ago, and I am still having life-changing side effects. I have extreme dizziness, pins and needles in my face, weakness in my arms and legs, zero energy, shortness of breath, and crippling aches in my back. No health care professionals are in the least bit interested in helping me. I don't know what I can do... Avoid this poison at all costs."

• azs...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 10, 2024

For Urinary Tract Infection "The main side effect I am having is extreme headaches and fatigue. My daughter gave me a chest cold to make my UTI that much more fun. I can say for sure the headache and nausea come from the antibiotics. I have 2 more out of 5 days left. My bladder swelling has decreased and my abdomen no longer has me curling into a ball. I'm not a fan of the constant headache, but 2 more days to go. It's doing the job, at least the suffering will be worth it."

• Loz...
• November 20, 2019

For Urinary Tract Infection "After reading all of the reviews on here, I was terrified to take nitrofurantoin for a UTI. The drs prescribed me a 5-day course. I started it that day. As per the instructions, I took the tablets (100 mg twice a day) with plenty of food and always a yogurt drink that contains live bacteria cultures, which really helped. I did experience side effects, but mildly. The main one being nausea and an upset stomach within 3 hours of taking each tablet (dependent on how much I had eaten). I sometimes had fatigue, tingling, and itchy skin. It was nothing that I couldn't handle. The UTI symptoms were gone within 2 days of starting treatment. Don't let the negative reviews scare you off. They nearly did, me - I am so glad that I just did it and took them. Nowhere near as bad as a recent antibiotic (mebeverine) I had to take for something else."

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

For Urinary Tract Infection "Nope! This antibiotic, nitrofurantoin, wreaked havoc on my body. Two capsules per day for five days. I experienced some awful side effects from this med, but I didn't lose my hair. I still have my hair and the UTI. Extreme nausea, vertigo, and fatigue. No thanks... maybe try anything else! By the way, I'm only willing to lose my hair for life-saving meds like chemo."

• Nat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 30, 2015

For Urinary Tract Infection "I've only started taking this medication today. I'm meant to take 4 tablets a day. After my 3rd tablet, I feel extremely nauseated, with severe stomach cramps and so fatigued. I don't think I can last another 2 days on this medication. I'm seriously thinking about whether to go in to work or not tomorrow because I feel so bad."

• Car...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 19, 2016

For Urinary Tract Infection "This is the worst I've felt without being called sick. Headaches, neckache, fatigue, depression while I was taking it. Stopped taking the medication halfway through. Now I'm on Cipro. I will NEVER take this medication again. Makes you wonder if there was a trial period before it was put on the market. I'm usually tolerant of medication, and I know I have a high pain threshold, but this was something else. Also makes me wonder about drug manufacturers, especially now with the presidential elections fast approaching. Most women are the ones experiencing UTIs, and most CEOs who are in charge of these big drug companies are men. Go figure!"

• A...
• December 31, 2015

For Urinary Tract Infection "I took this medicine to treat a UTI. Although it did cure the UTI, this drug made me so nauseous that I threw up for a week straight. It also made me extremely fatigued. If you have to take this drug, make sure to take it with plenty of food (and avoid food about two hours after taking it). Hope this helps!"

• Mag...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 29, 2021

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "I don't usually comment on Internet threads, but I have to say, if you have been prescribed this drug, see if it works for you before being scared away. There are reviews saying to avoid at all costs and reviews claiming zero side effects. All well and good, but the only way to know which way it will work for you is to try it. I was prescribed it this week and have taken two pills so far. I won't be taking the rest. I've spent the night feeling nauseous and have woken up this morning with stomach cramps, a bad headache, weak arms, hot flushes, and fatigue. I feel weepy and sick, and I just want to go back to bed...which is kind of impossible because I have an 18-month-old. Incidentally, her night was disturbed (we're still breastfeeding), and I can only assume it's something to do with the antibiotic because the crying and screaming was very out of character for her. I'd say try the drug, and if you get side effects, jack it in and ask for something else. I won't take this again."

• gra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 2, 2021

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "First dose: weakness, fatigue, mild nausea, headache. Second dose: weakness, fatigue, fever, moderate nausea, chills. Third dose: EXTREME nausea, vomiting, fever, weakness, chills and hot flashes, chest pain, diarrhea, literally felt like I was going to die! Finally realized it was the medicine after the third dose. More intense side effects immediately stopped when I didn’t take the next dose, but it took me three days to recover from the loss of fluids and feeling weak. My doctor switched me to a different med and felt literally no side effects. Will never be taking this ever again no matter how many UTIs I get in the future."

• Kri...
• April 16, 2019

For Urinary Tract Infection "I'm 18 and have had on-and-off fevers from my UTI and was told I would start to feel better after a couple of days on the medication. I felt absolutely terrible, with my fevers getting worse, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, night sweats, diarrhea, loss of appetite, muscle pains, and an overall constant feeling of weakness. After 2 days of feeling like absolute garbage, I called the nurse who prescribed it, and she said I don't have enough dosages in me yet to start feeling better, so I kept taking it, thinking the side effects were symptoms from my UTI. A day after that, I no longer had the constant urge to pee, but I still had all the same side effects that I first had and continued to have on-and-off fevers. I could not keep my eyes open at school. If I hadn't looked up other people’s reviews, I would have kept feeling like I was crazy. I haven't been able to work out and have had to miss some school. Grades have worsened just in the time I've been on this, and I still feel like garbage. Stay away from this!"

• Uni...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 9, 2019

For Urinary Tract Infection "Avoid at all costs. Have suffered UTIs for over 20 years now, and all other antibiotics worked nicely. NOT Nitrofurantoin though. Would usually be back at work the following day after starting antibiotics for a UTI, but these antibiotics have made me feel dreadful: severe stomach pains a while after starting them, bloating, gas, bad headaches, nausea, and real fatigue. In short, they have made me unwell, just with different symptoms than those I'm being treated for. I'll be refusing them point blank at the doctor's if ever offered them again. Awful medication."

• Jay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 10, 2022

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "So here’s my experience: I, apparently, had a UTI that I had no idea about for months and didn’t figure it out until my doctor had me do routine labs. I was first given cipro but was terrified of the possibility of tendon rupture (I’m a nurse who’s on her feet all day, so I need my tendons), so I talked it over with my doc and she gave me Macrobid as I’m allergic to virtually everything else. I started it on Tuesday night and have just taken my 7th pill on Friday night. I’ve had no serious side effects, just the normal dizziness, fatigue, and a small bit of stomach upset or indigestion. I also have times of just feeling “weird.” I’m currently getting over a cold, so that could also be why I’m feeling off, but who knows. I’d much rather take my chances with this pill than sepsis from an ascending UTI."

• Kan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 7, 2018

For Bladder Infection "I was prescribed a 7-day course of nitrofurantoin (tablet form) for a urine infection, 4 x 50 mg per day. After two days, the symptoms had lessened, and I started to feel much better. However, from day 3, I became very fatigued and nauseous. I shrugged it off, thinking it would go away soon, but it got worse, and I completely lost my appetite. My stomach hurt constantly, I had a dry mouth and a pounding head. By day 5, I couldn’t physically take any more tablets. They were making me feel so ill! I sought advice from a pharmacist who said that a day 5 course should be enough and to stop taking them as they are making me unwell. I literally had no energy and felt kind of spaced out also. I will never take these tablets again and will ask for other medication in the future."