Nitrofurantoin and Headaches: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Rob...
• January 3, 2017

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "I had a UTI, and my Dr. prescribed Macrobid. I'm allergic to most antibiotics and usually experience all the side effects possible, so I read the reviews here and was so scared to take it that I waited a week to see if my symptoms would somehow go away on their own (they didn't). I finally said a prayer and started the Macrobid. The only side effect I had at all was a pretty good headache on days 1 and 2, which was relieved with Advil. I wish I had started sooner! Just remember that usually, the only people coming to these sites are people who have had bad reactions. My pharmacist said that she's been prescribing it for 35 years and never heard of anyone having really bad reactions to it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 29, 2016

Nitrofurantoin for Bladder Infection "I have a history of UTIs and kidney infections because my urethra is abnormal. However, with every UTI, I have been prescribed several different antibiotics. None that are accompanied by side effects, but every person is different. With every UTI I have had, I have always experienced headache, nausea, body aches, and fever. All went away with the UTI. When I asked my doctor, he said the antibiotics take between 48 and 72 hours to start taking effect on your body. You may be experiencing some effects of your infection."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 7, 2017

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "Worst medicine ever!!! Went to the ER & was diagnosed with a UTI, so this med was prescribed! I've been in bed now 2 days straight! The headaches & body aches are just ridiculous! Not to mention I don't have an appetite, but I've been throwing up off & on! This medicine made me worse than I was in the beginning! This is my first & last time taking this, that's for sure!"

• Ang...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 5, 2023

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "I had a feeling I would react to this medication, but I wanted to be a good patient. After one pill, I feel severe restlessness, headache, disorientation, fatigue, dizziness. I would never take this again."

• Hip...
• March 1, 2019

Nitrofurantoin for Bladder Infection "I have taken several antibiotics for UTI for the past years. Bactrim does not work at all for me. I have had no side effects on Macrobid, which I have taken twice. I was never tired, nauseous, had diarrhea, or anything. No flu-like symptoms or headache. I guess it just depends on the individual. I would definitely use it again."

• Ano...
• May 6, 2015

Nitrofurantoin for Bladder Infection "First day worked fine, although will say my pee was neon... wasn't expecting that. Second day, however, tired all of the time with a killer headache that doesn't seem to go away and very cold and achy. Good that I can finally sleep after three nights of not being able to (great bank holiday that was), and pain went after the first two tablets were taken. This is the second time I've been on these, would definitely take again."

• Tay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 14, 2019

Nitrofurantoin for Bladder Infection "I had a bladder infection for over a month, which in turn made its way to my kidneys. I was given antibiotics when I was in the hospital, I seemed to do okay on those. When I was released, they gave me Macrobid to clear up the remaining infection. The first few days on it were okay (probably because I was sick from the infection, so I didn’t know the difference), but towards the end, I started to experience terrible side effects. Keep in mind, I took this hydrated and after eating every time. Around the 6th night, I had nausea, stomach cramps, headache, and uncontrollable shaking so bad that I could barely get out of bed. BUT don’t let the side effects stop you from taking it. If you do take this medicine, I have found one thing that makes the side effects better: eat a muffin or some bread and drink A LOT of water with it. When I ate a muffin and took Macrobid right after, my side effects weren’t as bad."

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

For Urinary Tract Infection "I was on this medication for 9 grueling days for a UTI. I didn’t take the last day because I thought if I did, it would be my last day living. I had severe-and I mean severe-side effects, including nausea, headaches, muscle and joint pain that were excruciating. I had pain in my spine so bad that I was afraid I had bone cancer. My joint pain would wake me up in the middle of the night. I had a few horrible nightmares and chills every night. It was seriously a feeling of doom. I had no idea a drug prescribed by a doctor could have such horrible side effects. It was so bad that I didn’t even think it was the antibiotic. I ended up going back to my doctor on day 9. I was sent for scans on my stomach, gallbladder, and bowels. I had full blood work done. Guess what? NOTHING was wrong. It was all side effects from this nasty drug. PLEASE take it off the market. It was a very bad experience."

• Kik...
• August 16, 2020

Nitrofurantoin for Bladder Infection "I read so many reviews before taking Macrobid because that’s just what I do before any medication. I was terrified to take this med after reading, so I clinched after every pill. I was given 100 mg to be taken twice daily for 7 days, but on the 4th day, I felt beating on my kidneys, almost like someone had a drum set in there. Since I know that 4 days of treatment is what some people are actually prescribed, I instantly stopped taking them. The worst side effect I had was headaches and fatigue, and the kidney thing."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 20, 2016

Nitrofurantoin for Bladder Infection "Symptoms: severe abdominal pain, constipation, nausea, achy pain in back, fatigue, chills, sweating, headache, cough. I just finished my last dose of Macrobid, and I believe it cleared up my UTI, but these side effects are not worth it. The abdominal pain I have been having is so bad that it has woken me up from my sleep three nights in a row. I have the chills, and because of the abdominal pain, it is hard to eat. I also have terrible headaches that worsen with certain movements or lights. This pill is awful, and I wish I would've known about these symptoms before starting."

• Han...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 21, 2020

For Urinary Tract Infection "I was showing symptoms of a UTI and went to an urgent care where I was prescribed a 5-day supply of nitrofurantoin. Within 24 hours, in which I had taken two doses, I was experiencing a feeling of being “off.” By day 3, I began experiencing further side effects. I was experiencing fatigue, dizziness, nausea, headaches, and loss of appetite. On day 4, the dizziness and nausea had increased, and there was a complete loss of appetite. I was unable to make any sudden movements without becoming extremely dizzy, nauseous, and disoriented. The only time I felt okay was when I was lying down and remaining still. I decided to stop taking the medication, which was only missing the remaining 2 doses. This medication did clear up the UTI, but I do not recommend it due to its side effects."

• car...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 29, 2019

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "Took the first 2 Macrobid pills, started running a fever of 101, headache, vomiting, could barely function, felt sicker than I ever have. Worried that the infection had gone to my kidneys. Never been to the ER in my life, but decided to go because I was scared. Tests all came back normal. Sent me home and said to finish my course of Macrobid. Felt better when I got home (about 12 hours since the last pill), was finally able to eat, took the next dose of Macrobid. Shortly thereafter, I was violently ill again. The next day, after close to 24 hours since the last pill, I started feeling better, was able to eat. That’s when it dawned on me: drug side effect. I found sites like this where people had the same experience. The next day, the hospital called to check on me. I told them what I discovered; they said they had never heard of Macrobid causing this reaction. Bottom line, I got sick after taking it and got well after not taking it. My symptoms match the manufacturer’s list of side effects. What else am I supposed to think?"

• Ull...
• February 7, 2020

For Bladder Infection "I got a prescription of nitrofurantoin in November 2019 for a simple UTI. Had no other symptom other than burning pee and soreness in the right kidney. One hour after I took the first pill, I became so ill that I could not move. I ended up in bed with a severe headache, shivering with a high fever, and my feet felt like they were burning up. My daughter wanted to take me to the emergency, but I was too sick to move. Also, I could hardly breathe. It was getting worse with each dose. Total loss of appetite... I lost 7 lbs. When I stopped taking the drug after four days, I improved slightly and was able to get to the hospital. There, the doctor explained that I had a very rare reaction to a common drug and that I was lucky that I discontinued taking it when I did. He said that it had not permanently damaged my lungs. I expected to gradually get better, but my feet are still burning and now they are also numb and tingling. Still hard to breathe. I am actually a mess ever since this ordeal."

• Jul...
• July 18, 2015

Nitrofurantoin for Bladder Infection "After taking 2 pills, I suddenly experienced chills and a fever of 101, and a severe throbbing headache. I called the doctor, spoke to the nurse, she advised continuing taking it. My gut told me not to. Later in the evening, I developed tingly fingers. I called my doctor, and he said to stop taking it, I may be having a serum reaction. It's been over 24 hours since I have taken Macrobid, and I still have a terrible throbbing headache, upper back ache, and a low-grade fever. This medication is poison!!! I can't believe it hasn't been banned! Will pass the word to everyone never to take this horrible drug!"

• LPa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 5, 2016

Nitrofurantoin for Bladder Infection "I cannot overstate how much I despise this medication. It may be effective in getting rid of bladder infections, but I never got that far. I used this medication twice (I gave it a second go, thinking my previous experience might've been an anomaly). Wrong. Within 2 days, each time, I had severe flu-like symptoms. They included: chills, mild fever, muscle aches all over, sharp pains in my stomach, severe nausea, vomiting, pounding headache, and extreme fatigue. I was told to take with a meal and drink lots of water. I felt like I was drinking 2 gallons a day...until I couldn't drink or eat anything without throwing it up. I stopped taking it the second time, after 3 pills, and it took 2 full days (and lots of Tylenol) for my symptoms to subside."

• HNS...
• February 13, 2016

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "Currently on day 4/7, 100 mg BID. I went from feeling like my back was being ripped open and sobbing until I couldn't anymore from the pain to waking up the next day after my first dose feeling like a new person, this antibiotic is okay in my book! Mild GI issues, decreased appetite, and headaches are my only side effects. Nothing in comparison to what I was feeling before. All antibiotics aren't fun to be on, so keep that in mind before writing scary negative reviews. Hopeful that the Macrobid clears this up."

• Dei...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 7, 2019

For Bladder Infection "The only side effect I was warned of was a possible discoloration of urine (brown). Several hours after the first dose, I had the worst headache and flu-like symptoms come on suddenly, but by day two, these had subsided. Partway through day 3, I began to feel intense amounts of energy and started feeling really anxious. This quickly developed into a host of symptoms by days 4 and 5: insomnia (waking at 1 am), pounding heart (20 bpm above avg resting), severe coughing episodes, and severe anxiety. Partway through day 5, I made the decision to stop the drug. I was particularly weirded out by the cardiovascular signs since this drug has the potential to cause pulmonary toxicity (potentially permanent damage too). I would consider it due diligence for a doctor to inform a patient about potential serious side effects. Of course, there are far too many idiosyncrasies about this drug for a doc to remember it all... e.g., contraindications include B vitamin deficiency (!?), anemia (!?)."

• Lil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 4, 2019

For Urinary Tract Infection "Taking 50 mg nitrofurantoin four times a day for 3 days. Within a few hours of the first dose, the weakness began, which I put down to infection. But it was different. Then the pounding headache around my ears, above my eyes, and even in my teeth and jaw. I can’t sit in the light due to it. This is nothing like a migraine either. It’s a sharp pain. I can hardly turn over in bed, and I have slept mostly for 3 whole days. I’ve also had a pain in my back that feels so awful. I take the last one today, and I’m still suffering. I hope this isn’t garbled, as I feel so bad I can’t concentrate. I will never take these again."

• Emm...
• August 18, 2020

For Urinary Tract Infection "Horrible side effects from nitrofurantoin, such as high anxiety, dizziness, stomach pain, and headaches. The unnerving anxiety was the worst thing I experienced. They really shouldn't give this out to patients. I tried a couple of days on it and felt so out of myself. Never again. Didn't even touch the infection either."

• Kib...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 13, 2017

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "So, Macrobid can certainly have some uncomfortable side effects. Most of these are preventable/treatable with headache pills, taking it with lots of food, and probiotics. If you are allergic, that is not the fault of the medicine, nor is it yours. That's just the way the cards were dealt. Macrobid, or nitrofurantoin, is very good for UTI treatment, and the methods it uses make it unlikely for bacteria to build resistance to it. Macrobid should be the first option before general antibiotics for this reason. Macrobid works very well and is usually taken twice daily (breakfast, dinner). For me, I had fatigue and headaches, but they left after two days. After that, I felt fine for the remaining 8 days. And it worked!"

• Jor...
• April 17, 2016

Nitrofurantoin for Bladder Infection "This medication was prescribed to me for a bladder infection. After I took the second dose, I woke in the middle of the night with the worst headache I've ever had in my whole life! I literally thought I might have to go in to see the doctor. After it subsided, I read all the reviews I could about this medication and its side effects. It seemed as though it was starting to work for my bladder infection, but the terrible side effects were not worth it. I called my doctor, and they prescribed Cipro instead. It took care of my infection with no side effects."

• Mrs...
• June 21, 2015

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "I have been taking Macrobid for two days now, and my UTI feels better, but today I woke up with terrible back aches where my kidneys are located and pains on my front sides. I have been so sleepy also today, like can't even keep my eyes open, with bad headaches."

• Seb...
• August 24, 2012

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "I have been using Macrobid for a couple of years now. I am allergic to all other medications, and therefore, this is all I have to work with. It works well, doesn't always work for me. Sometimes I have to take a second week of it. I often feel the same way as others. Headache if I haven't drank enough water, upset stomach if I hadn't eaten enough food when taking the pill. It does make me tired as well. I try to eat well when I am on this medication to help with the energy level since I am allergic to caffeine and can't take that path. I think that if you make sure to take the pill with lots of food like they recommend, the nausea isn't that bad. Also, drinking more water than you're ever used to will help with the headaches."

• EGa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 20, 2019

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICATION!!! I AM a healthy, active person. I almost never get sick. The night I took the first pill, I was nauseous. I woke up the next day and thought I was getting the flu. My legs ached, and I had the chills. I continued to take the pills thinking I had the flu. I fainted on the second day. I got red eyes, rashes on my legs, heartburn, headache, neck ache, and stomach ache. I look like a zombie. Finally, I thought, this is NOT the flu. I contacted my doctor, and she said, 'stop the pills.' I did a day ago, but I am still feeling horrid.... headache and blahness. Normally, I work out 3 times a week, am active, and work full-time. All I can do now is sit on the couch. I am so sorry I took Macrobid. I hope this drug will eventually get out of my system."

• Anonymous
• January 18, 2012

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "I have been on Macrobid for 3 days now. I feel so nauseated. I'm so tired, and I can't eat or drink anything, except for a little water, without getting sick. It gives me a horrible headache, and I feel so weak. I am also allergic to sulfa medications (Bactrim), so the doctor gave me this."