Nitrofurantoin and Nausea: What Users Say (Page 4)
Brand names: Macrobid, Macrodantin, Furadantin
Reviews for Nitrofurantoin
- 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."
Frequently asked questions
- 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!"
- 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!"
Are you taking this medicine?
Your review helps others make informed decisions.- 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."
- Anonymous
- Taken for less than 1 month
- May 6, 2023
Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "If you have a UTI and your doctor wants to put you on Macrobid, let me tell you all about the side effects I had. The first day I was on it, I had a raging headache to the point I thought I had a brain tumor inside me. Then days two and three, I had the worst nausea and vomiting I’ve ever had. I would have a severe loss of appetite after taking the first dose in the morning. This is where it got weird. This antibiotic was literally burning my labia lips to where my pubic hairs were burning off me. Second, my butt cheeks felt like they were being electrocuted and with the worst stinging needles in my ass cheeks, I thought I had another condition. I stopped taking this after my UTI felt resolved. Now I’m off it, I am still feeling all these effects. Not to mention all I want to do is sleep. The only positive thing about this drug was it made my raging UTI go away."
- 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"
- 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."
- 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."
- 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."
- 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."
- 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.:("
- 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."
- 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."
- 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."
- 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."
- Jet...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- August 14, 2019
Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "Went to Dr. as I had blood in my urine, no other symptoms, culture says UTI. Prescription Macrobid. First day I had a massive headache that hurt so bad I cried. 2nd and 3rd day, nausea and diarrhea with increased anxiety. 4th day, dizziness so bad I felt like I was sleeping drunk, sitting to standing was a nightmare and walking was difficult. Felt flu-like the entire time. It has been 2 weeks since I stopped taking it. Had to go to the Dr. again because the dizziness did not go away. Now I have an inner ear problem that needs to be fixed with therapy. Still feeling sick. 2 panic attacks and still an increase in anxiety. Random periods of time feeling like I can’t catch my breath. Will never ever take again. Also, fun side note, still have blood in urine."
- i...
- December 19, 2016
Nitrofurantoin for Bladder Infection "The side effects. Today I went to the doctor with symptoms of cloudy urine and frequent urination. I was diagnosed with a bladder infection, and I was prescribed Macrobid, 2x po daily for 5 days. I've taken this medication before for a UTI, and I was fine, but for some reason, I took this pill 2 hours ago and already I feel the sensation to gag every time I breathe in. This kind of nausea feels detestable. I'm so uncomfortable. I also got severe back pain and tight chest out of nowhere. I can't believe 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."
- C S...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- November 8, 2016
Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "I'm on my 4th pill of Macrobid. Ok, the reviews here will scare the crap out of you, but let me give you a few tips. I made sure my doctor prescribed me Zofran, so when I took the first pill (be sure to take it with food), I took a Zofran. I did feel nauseous for about 30 minutes and felt a little woozy, but it didn't last long. I took the 2nd pill with food and got a headache, but nothing horrible, and I had no other side effects. By the time I took the third pill, I had no side effects, but I still took the pill with food and Zofran. Don't let the reviews scare you. I feel so much better after 4 pills as far as my infection, and the more the pills get in your system, the less severe the side effects should be. Zofran and food, and you'll be good to go."
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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."