Nitrofurantoin and Weakness: What Users Say

• Flo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 13, 2020

For Bladder Infection "This is the 2nd time I have used nitrofurantoin. I start off with a water infection, take the 1st tablet, and it starts to ease some of the symptoms. Then evening comes, and I start to feel really unwell - loss of appetite, like I have to get into bed as I feel so ill - achy, flu-like. Both times on the first night I have gone shivery, burning up with the worst fevers ever, my body feels like it is going into shut down and I feel like it is the end of my life. I have lots of visits to the bathroom in the night and leak so much. I am so weak the next day. I am out of it, asleep. Still no appetite, and the only drink that satisfies me is orange juice. This antibiotic helps with the infection, but the tablets attack my system in a way that frightens me."

• Mom...
• December 11, 2019

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "Started Macrobid 5 days ago. I’ve taken Cipro before and it’s always worked well. My doc was on vacation, so I went to another clinic. She told me that they stay away from prescribing Cipro, so she suggested Macrobid and said it was well tolerated. First, I want to let you know that it did not work for me. I’m on day 5 & the burning right now is just as it was when my UTI started. When I started taking it, I felt nauseous, dizzy, balance issues, weak arms, depressed and weepy. This is out of character for me. I’ve hardly worked due to feeling incredibly weak and tired. I'm self employed and 4.5 of my days have been completely wiped out by this drug. I also have cramping in my feet and today I had bizarre facial flushing, hot ears and high blood pressure for 5 hours. I’ve always had normal blood pressure so this was scary. DO NOT TAKE THIS!"

• Ast...
• September 24, 2020

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "Macrobid was the worst antibiotic I've ever taken. I have never had a UTI, and when I saw my doctor, she prescribed Macrobid 2x daily for 7 days. I have taken plenty of antibiotics in my lifetime and have never had any significant side effects. Within 4 hours of taking Macrobid, I had terrible diarrhea for about 2 hours. After that, I was nauseous to the point of vomiting (and I never vomit). No medication has ever made me this sick before. I had chills, weakness, diarrhea, and vomiting all within the first 12 hours. However, I know you're not supposed to stop taking medications, so I took my second dose, and the symptoms proceeded to the point of not sleeping at all overnight. I stopped taking it the next day, and my symptoms resolved completely. I went back to my doctor and got a different antibiotic that I had no problems with."

• Moe...
• July 10, 2021

For Urinary Tract Infection "I would definitely listen to the reviews. I have never once had a reaction to medication like this. The morning of day three is when I had to pull over my car because I thought I was having a stroke, and my friend rushed me to the ER. The day before, I had weird arm cramps, abdominal cramps, and a headache, but thought it was due to a possible UTI. Then, while driving, my head felt extreme pressure, my vision blurred, my jaw started chattering, both my arms had numbness down through my hands, and my speech was slurred. I am an extremely healthy and athletic 31-year-old with no pre-existing conditions. When I went to the ER, all of my tests came back normal, and they sent me home. I immediately stopped taking the medication and continued to have these random “episodes” over the next few days that were less extreme. A week later, I am still weak and tired. My primary doctor told me it could be a week to two weeks to work its way out of my system. I’m worried it did permanent damage!"

• Dan...
• February 10, 2017

Nitrofurantoin for Bladder Infection "Both extremes of Macrobid are accurate. I've had a lot of UTIs - to the point of having Macrobid prescribed with refills as needed. I never experienced any symptoms, and this stuff was like a miracle. It took 24 hours to kick in, and I felt great. I didn't get a UTI for 2 years and then just got one. I took Macrobid, and it has made me feel horrible! I feel weak, have no energy, am always dizzy, have headaches, diarrhea, bad pain around my lymph nodes, and always feel like I need to throw up. Fortunately, I'm a SAHM (stay-at-home mom), so I'm able to deal with it at home, but I had to have someone take my child to school because I couldn't get out of bed! Also, it feels like it hasn't completely started working. So it can be great and horrible, even with the same person!"

• No ...
• June 6, 2016

Nitrofurantoin for Bladder Infection "Prescribed for a UTI. Long story short, I thought there was something seriously wrong with me. Severe body aches, joint pain, back pain, chest pain, fever up to 101.7, major chills, headache, feeling anxious, feeling depressed, crying, feeling irritable, fatigue, weakness, night sweats, tight jaw. This medication is dangerous, and I'm glad I stumbled across this site because I thought I was going crazy. I have one more day of this horrible medication, and I'll stick it out because I don't want to have to take any more antibiotics. 100mg twice a day for seven days."

• Anonymous
• January 18, 2010

Nitrofurantoin for Bladder Infection "I am on my seventh day on Macrobid and still having UTI symptoms. I have nausea, headache, abdominal cramping, irritability, loss of appetite, weakness, joint aches, and tiredness. This is the most ridiculous antibiotic that I've ever taken! It makes me feel like I've been hit by a bus and still doesn't seem like the UTI is better."

• Jac...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 17, 2012

Nitrofurantoin for Bladder Infection "Macrobid (100 mg, 1 capsule twice daily for 5 days). I have had a recurring bladder infection since June, and it is now August 15. The doctor had told me that I am having recurring bladder infections so I shouldn't have sex during treatment, another reason being that I have a new partner. My urethra is getting all stressed out, and all I need to do is give it a rest and let the antibiotics do their work, and later wait at least a week after finishing the antibiotics to have sex. This way I give it enough time for the urethra to strengthen. Anyhow, I am on my third day of this medication, and I noticed it affects my nervous system - I get a lot of panic/anxiety attacks, fatigue, and weakness."

• Pol...
• November 22, 2013

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "I am currently taking Macrobid for a urinary tract infection. I've been taking it twice a day for going on 4 days now. I was very very leery of this medication, because when I was pregnant 4 years ago, it was prescribed to me for a UTI. I took it and was really ill. I felt like I had the flu...weak, chills, nausea, horrible headaches. My doctor gave it to me and I was scared to take it, but with my last UTI the Cipro didn't knock it out. I'm happy to report that this time, I am doing fine on it. No side effects, but the UTI symptoms are pretty much gone. Make sure you take this ON A FULL STOMACH! Not with a glass of milk, not with a snack, not BEFORE eating...a full stomach!"

• Tif...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 16, 2019

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "I've never done a review but wanted to on it because of so many bad reviews. The Macrobid is working great, no side effects that I’ve noticed from the meds. But before starting the meds, I did have a severe UTI with severe pain in my stomach and back, as well as nausea, dizziness, cramps, muscle weakness, headache, and flu-like symptoms all from the UTI infection. I felt like death. Which has all subsided since taking this medicine. I’ve read a lot of bad reviews but I think everyone fails to realize that UTI and bladder infections cause a lot of symptoms plus everyone reacts differently. I would take this again!"

• Alo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 4, 2021

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "I thought it was the end of me. Macrobid is one of the worst experiences I have ever had. I could hardly walk, I was short of breath, I felt confused and weak, and had bright red cheeks. I think they should be removed from sale. My friend had also had a UTI a few weeks before and told me how poorly she had felt when taking the antibiotics. I rang her to see what they were called, and yes, they were Macrobid. How can these be allowed to be prescribed to the general public? It's shocking. I only took them for one day, was frightened to take any more."

• GCa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 6, 2019

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "I was prescribed Macrobid for a UTI. I know medications affect everyone in a different way. But this antibiotic made me so sick. I had severe headaches, nausea, and weakness. I was unable to go to work. I took the entire 7-day treatment even though it was making me feel so terrible. I thought it would be worth it if it cleared up my infection. But it didn’t clear it up! I still had the same symptoms, so I had to go back to the doctor. This time I was prescribed Cephalexin. It worked and with no side effects."

• Kat...
• August 5, 2014

Nitrofurantoin for Bladder Infection "I took Macrobid for two days. By day three I was nauseous, dizzy, and had diarrhea. I felt weak and dizzy and almost passed out. My doctor told me to stop the medication. It turned out that my culture was normal, and I didn't need antibiotics! I am now without the meds, and I feel like I have a virus!"

• cal...
• July 25, 2014

Nitrofurantoin for Bladder Infection "I took this for bladder infection, and I got so sick. My body felt weak, my stomach was upset, and overall I felt like I had a bad case of the flu. My doctor said it was a side effect and gave me a different antibiotic."

• Dan...
• December 23, 2020

For Urinary Tract Infection "In less than 1 day of starting this medication, I could hardly walk. The weakness and tingles in my legs were unbelievable, especially my left leg. My trunk was weak, and I had difficulty sitting up. My resting heart rate was like I was running. Even my breathing was more difficult. I experienced profuse diarrhea and nausea too. Thankfully, I went to my doctor right away and determined it was the medication, and she stopped it immediately. I ended up in physical therapy so I could regain the ability to do simple things like bending over and touching my toes. Before I started the medication, I was in the gym 1-2 hours a day. I paced a 10-minute mile for an average of 3-5 miles, or I would swim 3200 meters (2 miles) in an hour. Then I did a total body group workout. A year later, I am still not back to my baseline. Please report any adverse reactions to the CDC, this effort may help save others from an experience like mine."

• Tan...
• August 24, 2016

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."

• ljc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 31, 2013

Nitrofurantoin for Bladder Infection "I got a bladder infection and was prescribed Macrobid. Within a day of taking it, I was so sick. My body ached all over, and I had a difficult time walking. My eyesight and balance were way off. I thought I picked up a virus at the pharmacy or doctor's office. Then I started having a hard time breathing, and I was hallucinating. That went on for 3 1/2 days until the 6th day when I broke out into hives from my neck down. Then I realized it was a reaction to the antibiotic. I took a ride in an ambulance to the ER, and for the next 3 days, I had to have steroids shot into my butt, and I'm taking oral steroids also. It's been 8 days since the ER, and my lungs still hurt, and I can't take a deep breath even with the steroid inhaler. My eyes are shot also."

• 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."

• 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."

• Nin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 4, 2015

Nitrofurantoin for Prevention of Bladder infection "Prescribed Macrobid after misdiagnosis. 2nd day, I was yellow, vomiting, dizzy, weak. Hospitalized at hospital emergencies. Took doctors one week to confirm Macrobid was the reason for my liver failure. Almost lost my life."

• Jil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 24, 2016

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "After being diagnosed with a UTI, I was given Macrobid 100 mg 2x day. The first day was fine. On the second day, I noticed a lot of stomach pain after taking each dose. On the 3rd day, I woke up with a headache, abdominal pain, and a weak and ill feeling. I called my doctor to see if I could get switched to another medication. I felt ill, foggy-headed, and anxious the rest of that day. I did not like this medication and won't take it again."

• Nap...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 27, 2017

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "I started Macrobid yesterday, and I felt okay, but today I've had the most horrible, painful stomach cramps and the weirdest constipated diarrhea I have ever had. I am constantly feeling like I need to throw up, and the bowel movements and pain are what prompted me to do some Internet digging. I have taken four of 100 mg pills in two days, and I refuse to take another. At work today, I nearly tripped several times, and I was disoriented, felt sick, and had difficulty walking straight. There are other meds out there, and while I know that everyone reacts differently to medication, I seriously would not wish this stomach/abdominal pain on anyone; it is incessant and keeping me from sleeping. I pray for alleviation tomorrow, but fear it may take a few days."

• 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."

• Jem...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 1, 2024

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "Successfully cleared my mild UTI, but not without some uncomfortable side effects. Definitely more gentle on the stomach than other antibiotics, but still experienced diarrhea the entire time. No nausea or vomiting, but definitely had dizziness and general malaise. Spent most of the 7-day course in bed because I was just so weak and off balance. My right arm developed a weakness/numbness that felt like I had laid on it for too long, except it didn’t begin to go away until I stopped treatment. Vivid, intense dreams. Developed some frustrating headaches the last few days of treatment, but nothing severe. Would prefer to take this again over other antibiotics if I had to, but I absolutely hope I don’t have to deal with this medication again."

• Ise...
• June 3, 2014

For Urinary Tract Infection "I was given nitrofurantoin for cystitis many years ago, and while it cleared the infection, it also made me very nauseous and weak. This time, however, I was prescribed it in the form of Macrodantin capsules, and I had no side effects whatsoever. Because of my previous experience, I was really quite scared to take it, but began with half the dose prescribed just to see how I'd feel. When I didn't feel sick after the first couple of half-doses, I upped it to the full dose and was fine, no nausea at all or any other side effects. I took it with meals, but not always with a full meal, sometimes only with a snack, but it still didn't make me feel sick. I suppose the lesson learned from reading all these posts is that we're all different."