Nitrofurantoin and Weakness: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Reb...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 27, 2019

Nitrofurantoin for Bladder Infection "I have been on Macrobid many times before, and each time I use it, the side effects get worse: weakness, lightheaded, faint, diarrhea, nausea... the list goes on. It feels like I have a fever. Please try to not use this medication. I am going to my doctor tomorrow to see if they can give me something else. This medication is not very effective."

• Nan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 26, 2022

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "I’m 62, postmenopausal, and have suffered with recurrent UTIs for over 16 months. After getting recent in-depth DNA testing from MicrogenDX, which showed E. coli, E. faecalis, and Klebsiella, the only 2 antibiotics that treated all 3 bacteria were Macrobid and Fosfomycin. My PCP decided to try Macrobid and prescribed 3 weeks of it at 2 per day. After only 4 capsules, I was far sicker than I’d been with the UTI. Drug sensitivity runs in my family on the women’s side, but occasionally there are drugs we can tolerate. This wasn’t one of them. I felt as if I’d been poisoned - severe nausea, chills, diarrhea, weakness to the point of being unable to walk, racing heart, and what can only be described as not even being aware of my surroundings. As soon as I discontinued the Macrobid, the side effects began to slowly dissipate. Now all I have left to try is Fosfomycin, and I’m hoping against hope that I’ll be able to tolerate it."

• JJ3...
• June 2, 2015

For Urinary Tract Infection "I gave this medication a 10 for effectiveness because my UTI symptoms subsided completely after the second dose. I'm still taking this medication and have two and a half days left. Since starting my doses, I have experienced nausea, extreme fatigue and muscle weakness, shortness of breath, sensitivity to heat, and a loss of appetite. I can't wait till it's over. After reading all the reviews, it seems this medication makes everyone sick. It did seem to clear up my UTI, though, which was worse than these symptoms, but not by much."

• Anonymous
• April 17, 2018

Nitrofurantoin for Bladder Infection "I normally get cephalexin as a UTI med. This one time, my doctor decided to try Macrobid, and it was a horrible experience. I had terrible upper stomach pain, weakness, shortness of breath, and anxiety. I immediately took two probiotic pills on day two, which helped my stomach pain. Day three, I was still very weak with mild stomach pain and anxiety. I also still had frequent urination. I called my doctor and had them order cephalexin. Macrobid is horrible, and my doctor said half the people come back because it does not work. Never again will I take it!"

• Cra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 24, 2019

For Urinary Tract Infection "Within 24 hours, I started with severe shaking of hands, then entire upper torso, followed by chills (worst I've ever had), vomiting, fever, and severe aches and joint pain. I thought I was having a stroke! I will not take again and have never had a reaction to any meds taken. Always had Cipro or Bactrim with no problems and asked for one of these, but the doctor ordered Keflex. 48 hours later, I'm still very weak, couldn't eat for 24 hours. It was scary."

• Cin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 8, 2018

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "OMG, guys, and can’t even talk about what my body is going through right now. I feel like I have morning sickness with food poisoning and the flu all in one! What the heck is going on? I took it for my UTI, and the first day was fine! The second day, that night, I started to get really ill. My heart was pounding, my feet and legs felt like pins and needles, tingling all over my body! I was sweating after that night. The next morning, I was so nauseous and dizzy with diarrhea, and I was so weak I couldn’t even walk, I was completely incompetent whatsoever around me! I started to feel anxious and nervous, shaking, and was about to drive myself to the ER. I stopped taking it on my fourth day, and I am still feeling like garbage after 12 hours later! The symptoms are still there, not feeling any better! Had to call out for work the next two days!! I always read that one of the side effects can cause nerve damage permanently. Never again!"

• Anonymous
• October 22, 2016

For Urinary Tract Infection "I went to the doctor because of a slight UTI yesterday. I took one dose of the medicine last night and felt nauseous and developed the worst migraine, I felt it all in my face and neck. I took extra strength Tylenol and went to sleep. I woke up this morning perfectly fine, and it was time for my second dose. In less than an hour, I was so nauseous and weak, and it feels like I have a lump in my throat. This feeling keeps coming and going. I called off from work because I'm afraid if I start moving too much, then I might pass out or throw up. I normally never get side effects from medication, but this one is different. I don't recommend it at all."

• Lis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 18, 2018

Nitrofurantoin for Bladder Infection "Macrobid was by far my worst experience with a medicine. It was prescribed for my UTI. But after taking 2 pills only, I started feeling worse than before. My UTI symptoms were improving (which was great), but I felt sick. Extremely nauseated (I couldn't even drink water); had diarrhea episodes, it also lowered my blood pressure, so I felt weak and tired. I'll never take this thing again. I felt like I had been poisoned."

• UK...
• February 28, 2017

For Urinary Tract Infection "I was prescribed Genfura (Nitrofurantoin) after a previous antibiotic was ineffective in curing a UTI. UTI symptoms were completely gone within 3 days, but I had major side effects within hours of taking the first pill. Side effects: worst flu-like symptoms of my life, and I nearly went to A&E, I was so sick. I had a high fever for 2 days, chills, shallow labored breathing, no appetite, nausea, constipation, extreme weakness, severe headache, and I couldn't leave my bed for 2 days. Strangely, the side effects went away as soon as they came on, and 4 days into the medication, I feel fine."

• Pau...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 14, 2019

For Bladder Infection "I was given this to be taken as then 1 pill after having sex to avoid getting a UTI. That is what my urinary doctor gave it to me for. I am 64. It works fine, then I got a UTI and went to urgent care and was given this for 5 days, 2 pills a day. I have only taken it for 2 days, and I got more confused, weak, vivid nightmares, couldn’t stop sleeping, worst headache ever, still dizzy after not taking it for 12 hours. This needs to be reported to the FDA. It is labeled wrong, I think. It kills your red blood cells as one of the side effects. Don’t even try this drug for more than 1 pill after sex. And that’s if only having sex a couple of times a year."

• BET...
• October 5, 2020

For Prevention of Bladder infection "My poor mum has a fistula from bowel running into the bladder. She is elderly and needs nitrofurantoin, no more surgery to fix this due to her age. We hope to go onto a long-term dose at night, but I think the side effects are awful. She is so weak, nausea is awful, and on medication for the thrush, but this is the only antibiotic for the type of bacteria my mum has: UTI E. coli."

• BCA...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 1, 2017

For Urinary Tract Infection "I took this medication for a UTI. Started on a Friday. It's now Monday, and I was told by my gyno office to stop. They told me the side effects I was experiencing were not normal for the medication. Have to head to the hospital to see what's up. Here is what I experienced: 1. Constant nausea 2. Headaches 3. Weak muscles and stiff joints 4. Blurry vision. Made it hard to walk up and down stairs, started to gag if I moved too quickly 5. Tired. Oh, so tired. If it is the medication, then this is awful. The side effects are worse than the UTI. I've never had a problem with any other antibiotic medication."

• Cur...
• October 3, 2016

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "I'm allergic to sulfa and penicillin, so my doc prescribed Macrobid. The first time I took this medicine, I felt fine besides some nasty nausea. I didn't take the last 3 pills because of it, but my UTI went away almost immediately. This time, I feel horrible. I felt good after the first 2-3 doses, but now after I take it (3rd day), I am weak, I feel like it's hard to breathe, and my stomach burns/hurts so bad I can't stand it. It also makes me very tired and out of it/woozy. The burning during urination has gone away, but I feel worse than what I did with the UTI. I hate to stop it early, but I fear I may end up in the hospital if I don't. It's not a bad med, just hit or miss side effects. I say try it out though. It's worth that much at least."

• 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."

• Lau...
• September 18, 2018

For Bladder Infection "Still trying to figure this stuff out. I took my first dose of 100 mg 2 days ago, and it was terrible. I immediately had diarrhea and fell into a state of what I can only describe as delirium. If you review side effects, it lists both weakness and drowsiness - just know that you may experience these 2 side effects together and to the most extreme. The next day, I was so afraid to take it that I skipped the dose. I am recovering from recurrent UTI and a recent kidney infection, though - so decided to buck up and deal with it. Tonight, the side effects weren't nearly as bad. My thought is that over time, your body will adapt and side effects lessen? I am still very lethargic and tired, though. My advice is to take it right before bed and also take it with a lot of food. That's what I did this evening, and my experience has been better, although still not enjoyable. At least I am sleeping well :) I'll add that I've never ever had this crappy of a reaction to any medication, especially an antibiotic."

• am9...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 12, 2019

For Urinary Tract Infection "I got a UTI infection and first treated it with over-the-counter medicine, which cleared all the UTI symptoms. I still went to the doctor to make sure the infection is gone, but they found that it was still in my body and prescribed me nitrofurantoin for 7 days. The first few days were fine, on day 5, I started to feel extremely nauseous, weak, had headaches, and loss of appetite. On top of that, my pulse is 57 bpm, which is lower than the normal range. I would not take this antibiotic again, as it has really bad side effects."

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

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "I got prescribed Macrobid for a UTI I have, and it’s a great medication, but some symptoms do come up, like headache and weakness. But other than that, it’s clearing everything up. It’s not a dangerous medication, and it’s important that you stay hydrated and eat before every dose you take."

• dee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 2, 2018

Nitrofurantoin for Bladder Infection "I had taken this drug once before and seemed okay, but this time I had a bad reaction. My first pill was okay, no problem, but the second pill I thought I might have to call for help. I couldn't move off the couch for 8 hours as I was weak, shivering, joint pain, bad headache, and a few other things. Really scared me, and I will ask for something else next time."

• 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."

• sus...
• August 15, 2019

For Urinary Tract Infection "The first day on nitrofurantoin for a UTI, I felt fine. On the 2nd and 3rd day, I felt like I was dying. The worst anxiety and panic attacks ever, not to mention the diarrhea, cold sweats. I feel weak and tired. I decided to stop last night. The worst antibiotic I've ever taken by far."

• All...
• February 26, 2016

For Urinary Tract Infection "This was the worst thing I've ever taken. Within 15 minutes, I started to get a cough. I got sicker from then on. Two hours after the dose, I had a constant cough, pain in my chest, a fever, tremors and chills, muscle weakness, and a massive headache. I had to use the restroom and could hardly get there. On the way back to bed, my legs just gave out under me. It took 12 hours before my legs and arms worked right, about 14 hours for the fever, and it took 24 for my headache to subside. My chest is still sore. If I take a deep breath, I will cough. I would not recommend this drug. My pharmacist and doctor's office said that it sounds like I'm getting the flu because this drug doesn't do that. Read the side effects. It does it all!"

• Bir...
• May 26, 2021

Nitrofurantoin for Bladder Infection "I was prescribed Macrobid 100 mg dose every 12 hours for 7 days. I have never been sensitive to antibiotics and can take (amoxicillin, Cipro, penicillin, Z-Pak are fine). But this antibiotic made me miserable. The morning after my first dose, I had a terrible headache that lasted the whole time I was on the drug. I had to take Motrin for the headaches. I was so nauseous I threw up several times, even when I took food with the Macrobid. By the third day, I was so weak I could barely get out of bed. The nausea was severe, I could not eat. I literally forced a piece of bread down when I took the pill. I was sleepy and confused and not even alert enough to do my work. I finally called on the 5th day to ask my doctor to prescribe me something for the horrible nausea, and he told me to stop taking the Macrobid. The only plus of this medicine was that it took my infection away, but I'd never take it again. I'm 5'3" and 125 pounds."

• Ker...
• October 17, 2015

For Urinary Tract Infection "My mother is 58 years old and took this for a bacterial infection that kept causing UTIs. We have both taken many different antibiotic pills and medications over the years for various illnesses, but never have I seen a reaction as bad as this one. My mom was complaining of a headache, and then she was so weak she could barely stand. She had chills, a fever, and was curled up in a ball in bed for the next 24 hours. Now she has to go to the hospital and get an IV with a different antibiotic to treat the infection. This drug is incredibly powerful, and watching its effects was extremely scary."

• Goo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 25, 2019

For Bladder Infection "I had an infection after the stent in the ureter was removed after surgery. This is the worst medication. Dizzy, nausea, fever, chills, hard time breathing, weak. Headaches, diarrhea. I had surgery to remove a kidney stone. I got an infection from the stent, so the doctor put me on this. Yesterday was so bad, I had to stop taking it. Better today but still nausea, diarrhea, weak... Would never take this again!"

• Anonymous
• September 29, 2011

For Urinary Tract Infection "I just finished up 7 days on Macrobid for a urinary tract infection. I feel like I have been hit by a bus and have the flu. I have a headache, feel weak, and generally awful. Not sure the status of the UTI."