Nitrofurantoin and Nausea: What Users Say (Page 4)
Brand names: Macrobid, Macrodantin, Furadantin
Reviews for Nitrofurantoin
- 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."
- NA1...
- April 4, 2016
For Urinary Tract Infection "Don't be scared reading the reviews! I made the mistake of looking at this website's user reviews on nitrofurantoin and was so terrified of taking the pill, I had to call my PCP at night to calm myself down. It's really IMPORTANT to note that you have to take this drug AFTER eating a substantial meal. I was prescribed to take it 2 times a day, but whatever your dosage is - just remember to take it with food. There was only one day when I had the antibiotic after only eating a few pieces of fruit, and I suffered from mild nausea. But aside from that, I didn't have any other side effects - so DON'T BE SCARED! Just try it out with food in your system. Good luck!"
Frequently asked questions
- Does Flagyl treat UTI infections?
- What antibiotics are used to treat UTI?
- What is "dual release" nitrofurantoin?
- Inf...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- February 22, 2020
For Urinary Tract Infection "My urologist put me on this medicine Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for two months. The first week, sick to my stomach, hands and feet numb, no energy, feeling like passing out, terrible stomach pain. I couldn't even get through the first week. Now, today I was not able to pee either. This stuff made me even worse."
- MJa...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- June 4, 2015
Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "I am extremely sensitive to antibiotic side effects, so I avoid them whenever possible. Usually, I take D-Mannose for urinary or vaginal (yeast) infections, but I was out of it and needed something NOW. The doc called in Macrodantin because I cannot tolerate Cipro or most other ABs. Second day on pills and, so far, zero stomach pain or nausea. I have not noticed a reduction in the pain from the UTI yet, so hoping by tonight I will see relief. By the way: look up D-Mannose. I have used it for over 10 years, and it has stopped the UTIs and yeast infections if I take it as soon as I feel something. It is a sugar, so you can take it every day if needed without any complications. It works by detaching the bacteria from the body. Buy the powder. Two teaspoons per day."
- Nat...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- September 28, 2020
For Urinary Tract Infection "Been taking this drug for 3 days and not sure if the way I’m feeling is due to the drug or my ongoing stomach issues and anxiety. However, I have been feeling tired, nauseous, and experiencing some dizziness. Also, had a headache for the first 2 days that wouldn’t budge - mainly frontal, behind the eyes! On the plus side, it seems to have cleared the UTI. I’ve completed my course, so hopefully, these symptoms will disappear."
- Ell...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- July 13, 2017
Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "I am 66 yr. old and get a lot of UTIs after going on the bike, in the pool, and apparatus at the gym that causes friction in that area. I usually get ciprofloxacin, which doesn't affect me much. But, Macrobid causes stomach troubles, nausea, chest and lung problems, chills, fevers, dizziness, palpitations, headaches, and more. I didn't have time to say 'no' to the walk-in doc who gave me this again, but I will never, ever use it again. I know it's going to take another week to get 'semi-normal' again, but this med takes me down every time."
- Pix...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- June 3, 2014
For Urinary Tract Infection "I'm taking nitrofurantoin (Macrobid) 100 mg, currently on day 4 of 7 for urinary tract infection (UTI). My urinary tract infection was more than painful pee - I had the whole set of flu-like symptoms like chills, nausea, aches, and of course, painful pee and blood in the urine. I would say about 80% of my symptoms - especially the pain! - were gone within 24 hours, and the only thing I feel now is a bit of itchiness in the urethra when I pee. No big deal. On the downside, I am VERY tired (day 2 was the worst, felt like I was 90 years old), a bit dizzy, certainly nauseous, I feel like I have to breathe really hard, and muscle pain. Overall, very effective for treating urinary tract infection, but I feel like crap and I can't wait to finish the 7-day course."
- Anonymous
- August 14, 2010
Nitrofurantoin for Bladder Infection "Took for a bladder infection. Felt better after a day or so, but got extremely nauseated, even taking it with a snack. It also makes me so tired, all I want to do is sleep. I have stopped taking it, and it feels like I am getting the same symptoms back. I am allergic to sulfa drugs, and this is what the doctor gave 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."
- aje...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- December 27, 2016
Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "I am only taking the time to write this review because I see so many negative ones. I'd hate to see someone not take it and risk an infection getting worse! This drug does work, cleared up my UTI in 2 days. There are some not pleasant side effects-nausea, I've been feeling this one all week, body ache and chills, only on the first day. In my unique case, I'd take any pain in the world over having a strong urge to use the restroom every 30 seconds and intense burning. I've taken this drug once before and felt fine. Talk to the doctor if you're concerned, there are other medications out there!"
- 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."
- cri...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- June 20, 2017
For Urinary Tract Infection "After reading so many horror stories, I was terrified to take this. But my UTI was unbearable, so I decided there was no other option. I have taken it with food, and a few hours later, I pop a few good probiotics. I am on day 4 and still have not experienced any of the awful symptoms described here. I did notice a headache the first day and slight nausea, but that went away once I ate. My UTI symptoms diminished after 24 hours, and I am one happy camper! Lesson learned - the internet causes anxiety! lol"
- Ren...
- January 5, 2019
Nitrofurantoin for Bladder Infection "Mild UTI, so given Macrobid twice a day for 5 days. Followed instructions to the letter. 1st 2, very slight queasiness for an hour or so. Also felt odd-kind of out of it/drowsy, but only for a few hours. Day 3 adjusted-both stomach and brain were fine. Then came the pain-pelvic, groin, and abdominal-moving around. Sharp stabs and dull throbbing waves. Then in my neck/under jaw and by ears (like stinging gland pain-if you’ve ever had the mumps, you’ll know what I mean). I finished meds and let 2 days go, hoping I’d feel better, but no-I went back to Dr and my urine tested clear. Kidney test-no pain resulting. No fever. Abdomen fine on palpating-yet all these migrating (moving) pains keep at me. I “feel” fine except for the widespread pain. I never know where it’s going to stab next. I don't know if it's something the antibiotic did, but this is very coincidental. I was in good health until this. Be careful with this medication!"
- lhs...
- June 10, 2015
Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "I was prescribed Macrobid for a 3-day course, 2 doses a day. The first day I seemed to be getting better, but then I woke up at 4:15 am the morning of the second day with chest pains. Throughout the day, I suffered from headaches, chest pains, muscle and joint aches, nausea, dizziness, fever, and chills. Now on the third day, and though I'm not feeling as ill anymore, I'm still dealing with chest, back, and stomach pains. Can't even tell if treating the UTI because I've been in so much pain. Worst experience I've ever had with antibiotics - would definitely never use Macrobid again!"
- Ade...
- June 13, 2017
Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "I took this drug after being prescribed it for a UTI. I read some reviews after feeling a little weird but figured I would push through. I called my doctor after taking two pills, and the nurse told me to wait it out and see if it gets worse. Things got worse very quickly. What began as a little bit of nausea ended with body aches, leg cramps, intense chills, night sweats, dizziness, confusion, fainting twice (terrifying), and getting a vaginal infection because of this drug. My UTI symptoms have gotten better, but the pain from my VI is unbearable, and how I feel from this drug is terrible. NOT worth it...do not take this drug. P.S. I only got through taking FOUR pills out of my prescribed ten. I am going to the doctor today, again.:("
- Sam...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- November 5, 2019
Nitrofurantoin for Bladder Infection "Going through the reviews. Sounds like most of them are just on the wrong antibiotic. Nausea, fever, chills, etc., are also signs of a bad kidney infection. Not saying they are all like that, but some of them could be."
- 1Gr...
- January 9, 2016
Nitrofurantoin for Bladder Infection "I took Macrobid for two and a half days and felt sick. Plus, I'm scared of anything that poses a risk of side effects that are a mile and a half long. Macrobid made me so sick that I ended up at the ER with swollen lymph nodes, a stiff neck, nausea, a migraine that caused eye pain, vomiting, and chills. I felt poisoned. My sister wanted to stay with us because she was so worried about me. I was sick for three days in bed. Never, ever again. I'm only seeing naturopathic doctors and a Chinese medicine doctor unless it is life or death."
- emm...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- November 26, 2019
Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "I was terrified of taking Macrobid after reading these horrible reviews. Overall, I experience minor side effects while on the antibiotic. The first two times I took the pill, it made my face flushed, but that was all. I also experienced slight nausea throughout the duration of the antibiotic. Please do not let all of the bad reviews scare you about the side effects of this antibiotic because they are very minimal in most cases (people who have a positive experience rarely write reviews). However, I gave this drug a median rating because it did not cure my UTI. I had to go back to the minute clinic today and now am on ciprofloxacin."
- 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."
- Hal...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- November 13, 2019
For Urinary Tract Infection "I really felt like I should state my experience with this drug. I had done a lot of research, including reading these reviews, and I was terrified of taking nitrofurantoin. I almost decided to deal with a UTI rather than take it. Well, I wanted to share that I didn't have any negative effects. It did make me feel a little tired, but I'm not sure if that is from the medication or from waking up earlier than usual. I will say to make sure you take it with a meal. I had half of an English muffin and oatmeal, and I didn't have any nausea. I would also say to drink plenty of water to help the medication work. And finally, don't be afraid like I was. I was having really bad anxiety after taking the first pill, and I am totally fine."
- 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."
- Anonymous
- Taken for less than 1 month
- June 9, 2014
Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "I only gave it a 7 because I'm on day 3. Dizziness and nausea, be careful driving before you get a feel for what your reaction will be. Everyone is different. The nausea was often minimized by eating a decent meal with the meds, but it still came back about an hour to 1.5 hours. The dizziness, I felt like I was drinking, seriously. Hopefully, it's all clear when I'm done in 2 days. I was feeling like crap, I wore a T-shirt that I wear to sleep to my evening class today (I'm over 27). Glad I found this site! If you're a female, ensure you don't have Bacterial Vaginitis (BV) because that should be treated as well."
- Anonymous
- August 30, 2012
For Bladder Infection "I started taking nitrofurantoin today for a bladder infection, first and only pill at about 1 pm. Felt fine till about 6 pm and started feeling extremely tired to the point I could hardly stay awake. Then came the horrible nausea (thanks for Zofran), along with dizziness, chills, shortness of breath, headache, stuffy nose, and not feeling well in general."
- Nui...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- July 28, 2025
For Urinary Tract Infection "So far I've been like 3 days into this medication and I've been feeling fever (just instantly goes away after a bit), chills, nausea, but they weren't all ghastly. Although I was panicking it could be a kidney infection. I did lose my appetite to eat for a bit of a day, but then the next day I devoured my food like crazy. I don't really feel back pain as much. I thought I had constipation, but I just didn't poop for two days and then I went to the toilet like three times on the third day. And I just go to the toilet a lot to pee as well. It's super uncomfy-the side effects-but at least they ain't as horrible as what I've been reading so far. After reading a load of these reviews, I did get scared thinking that my pill might do me harm, but so far I am doing great. Just feeling tired and possibly a fever? But I recommend taking this pill while eating. Like eat half your meal, take the pill with water or even cranberry juice, then you finish your food. Then drink a full glass of water."
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Nitrofurantoin for Bladder Infection "I used to get bladder infections all the time, but this time was by far the worst I've ever experienced. I managed to get myself into a walk-in, and they prescribed me Macrobid. The first pill I took, along with cranberry juice, made me feel 80% better. By the third day taking Macrobid, I felt 100% better. Definitely take it with a meal, though, I took it with something small because I was in a rush, and I felt very weak and nauseous."