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Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection User Reviews (Page 5)

Brand names: Macrobid, Macrodantin, Furadantin

Nitrofurantoin has an average rating of 4.3 out of 10 from a total of 1200 reviews for the treatment of Urinary Tract Infection. 29% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 54% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Nitrofurantoin

  • Tiger...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 1, 2019

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) "I read these reviews and was terrified to take this. I have anxiety; so even if I didn’t have the physical side effects, I was pretty sure I would have psychosomatic ones after reading all the negative experiences. I’m also scared of antibiotic resistance, and hate taking them to begin with. I procrastinated for a week because I didn’t want it to make me feel terrible. Also, my UTI wasn’t bad, I didn’t have many symptoms. But I knew it wasn’t going away, so down the hatch the Macrobid went. Well, I didn’t feel terrible. Absolutely no side effects. I know everybody is different, but if you have an Rx for this, don’t be afraid to try it because chances are you’ll be fine. It’ll do it’s job (which it is)."

8 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 4, 2013

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) "This is the first and last time I ever take this drug! After 24 hours of it in my system, I started having flu like symptoms. I could feel my sinuses draining down my throat, I began to have a horrible cough. Granted at first I seemed to be getting better, but by the night of day four, my eyes are all itchy and watery, my nose is constantly running, constantly coughing. Now on day five, I took my last pill. Still feeling like crap, still all the same symptoms from day four. Hoping this goes away soon before I return to the ER once more."

1 / 10
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  • eleven
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 15, 2019

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) "I have taken several antibiotics for UTI and Macrobid is the only one where I felt the need to write a review and also search for one as I was praying the EXTREME side effects I have been experiencing were not uncommon. I took Macrobid for three days and each day the symptoms got worse. I have been completely nauseous ever sinceI started taking it and my heart rate has been scary high. Yesterday my heart rate got so high my whole body was shaking and I got blurred vision as I was driving and had to pull over on the side of the road and have someone come pick me up because I was too unwell to drive. The vaginal irritation got worse on day 2 and I’m still waiting for that to subside. I would so much rather have a UTI then feel like I am literally about to die. This has been one of the scariest weeks of my life as I thought something was seriously wrong with me until I read some of these reviews. If your doctor wants to prescribe you this medicine you may want to ask for an alternative."

1 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

  • Rocki
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 5, 2019

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) "Macrobid has been great. I was worried when I read the reviews but as I took it I didn’t feel anything different ! The only side effect was my tiredness and my GERD was worse . The key is to do what’s called an antibiotic sandwich... Eat a FULL MEAL , take pill, then a light snack afterwards . Also do not drink caffeine as it will cause terrible anxiety ... you have to take every 12 hours so I did 7am and 7pm . Taking too close to bed is what made my GERD bad as it stirs up your stomach acid and you are laying down on it. My symptoms were cleared up on day 3 but I still have to take 4 more days. I was also allergic to Bactrim so this was the alternate ... TAKE THE PILLS"

10 / 10
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  • Caycee
  • December 19, 2016

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) "Macrobid cleared up my UTI in only 4 days. I was afraid to use it based on the comments on this site but keep in mind, most people who take time out to comment are those with negative experiences. Usually people with great experiences like myself don't take time out to talk about how well a medication works-they use it and go on with their daily lives. It's been over a year now and no reoccurrence of UTI. I had zero side effects."

10 / 10
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Are you taking this medicine?

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

"I was on this medication for 9 gruelling 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 bloodwork 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."

1 / 10
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  • Miran...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 13, 2016

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) "After reading the reviews for this antibiotic, I was terrified to even take it. I went to urgent care in Orlando because I had gotten a uti during my vacation in Disney World, so it wasn't even my own doctor prescribing me the medication. I was prescribed 100 mg to take 2 times a day for 7 days. The majority of people claimed to have horrible side effects, but I did not have any, besides small stomach cramps a couple hours after taking the pill. Do not let the reviews scare you. Everyone is different! My only complaint is that it worked so slowly. It took 6 days for all of my symptoms to completely clear up. Now I have to wait and see if the infection comes back."

8 / 10
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  • paloma
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 23, 2019

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) "Macrobid was the worst experience I have ever had with any drug. Breathing problems developed on day 2 of 3 day course, coughing, palpitations followed by chills and fever. Unable to do anything for three days and thought I had a very bad dose of flu which is all you need when you have cystitis, but no it was just the side effects from this antibiotic. Never again!"

1 / 10
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  • Allan
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 31, 2020

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) "For almost a month, I have been feeling every single description of what a UTI entails. Went to urgent care finally and they found red blood cells microscopically in my urine and slightly elevated pH, but the urine culture came back negative. They prescribed me Macrobid and I'm now on my last day. I feel like the drug maybe helped to a very small extent, but overall not effective at all. Perhaps I have another underlying condition, but everything I'm feeling is indicative of a UTI. I had some stomach cramping on multiple occasions and feelings of being "off." Now it's a trip to the Urologist next week to get to the bottom of this mystery. It's a nuisance and and annoyance to have this. I've never had this before."

3 / 10
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  • Jonny
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 16, 2019

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) "I had a UTI last year, and was aware that this meant I might get more in the future. I started with another three weeks ago and then the pain went to my kidneys. After ONE dose of Macrobid, the symptoms began to go within six hours. By the third dose, my energy levels went up again, and the pain I had urinating has gone. I will take the remaining five days' dosage, and I am amazed at how quickly this new treatment has knocked some very debilitating symptoms on the head!"

10 / 10
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  • NatA
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 28, 2020

"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."

9 / 10
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  • Want...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 5, 2014

"Taking 100mg 2xs daily for urinary tract infection. On day 5 of 7 with limited side effects. I have a severe allergy to many medications but thankfully no severe reaction to this one. I noticed the nausea is alleviated if you drink a full 8oz glass of water with each dose and continue drinking water throughout the day. I work long hours so not sure if the drowsiness is caused by the medication or not. Some vaginal itching and discomfort but so far no vaginal infection. Doctor recommended I eat yogurt daily while on this medication and I am following doctor's orders! I have felt some dizziness but it isn't constant."

7 / 10
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  • NA123
  • April 4, 2016

"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!"

9 / 10
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  • Emma
  • August 18, 2020

"Horrible side affects 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:("

1 / 10
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  • sick...
  • September 23, 2014

Macrodantin (nitrofurantoin) "After having a lot of urine infections for the past year I am now back on Macrodantin 50mg 4 times a day for 7 days makes me feel yak headaches keeps me awake slightly dizzy, feel tired a lot.. Then doctor wants me to take a low dose of it for 6 weeks will keep you posted if it actually works this time. I have my doubts."

5 / 10
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  • PoDun...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 21, 2016

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) "I was diagnosed with a UTI and kidney infections. They started me on Macrobid two days ago and yes, death on a doornail set in. When your body utilizes this drug to flush your system, it doesn't just run to your bladder and ta da! Your body handles this infection with all it's defenses so you SHOULD expect to feel really icky for about a week. I am floored at today's rush in society to get everything done right now or right away. Every body needs time to heal and recover. Allow yourself the precious gift of rest and recuperating it needs and unless you begin to spike fever or experience allergic reaction, hang in there and know it's okay to take some time off to nurture you."

9 / 10
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  • ShesG...
  • February 24, 2017

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) "I've taken macrobid for 15 years for recurrent UTIs. I get UTIs about 4-6 times a year (ugh) so I've taken it a ton of times. Macrobid gets rid of my infections every single time without fail. The only side effect I have ever noticed, which is pretty annoying, is nausea for about 2 hours after taking each pill. Once in a blue moon I puke, but not usually. Eating and drinking with the pill lessens the nausea but doesn't totally prevent it. So, it does its job really well and eliminates my infections, but I do cringe when I have to take it because it sucks to endure the nausea."

8 / 10
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  • Lizzy...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 22, 2016

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) "The most important thing about having a UTI, is making sure a urine culture is done. Many don't realize that there are antibiotics that simply just won't work because the bacteria they have, are resistant to the antibiotic prescribed. Just because the antibiotic didn't work for you, doesn't mean it won't work for others. I've been prescribed Cipro and Bactrim for UTIs in the past, but after the ABT course my UTI kept coming back with a vengeance. Macrobid was the only antibiotic that was able to clear my Bladder/UTI infection. I've seen that sometimes it can make you feel worse before you feel better. Urine culture and sensitivity test is key for those suffering from recurrent infections."

9 / 10
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  • Kibbler
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 13, 2017

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) "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 does so makes bacteria unlikely to build resistance to it. Macrobid should be the first option before general antibiotics for this reason. Macrobid works very well and usually is 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!"

9 / 10
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  • CD Kn...
  • February 12, 2014

"I had no problem with this medication and my body is the anti-antibiotic! I am allergic to every antibiotic under the sun and avoid using them as much as possible, but I did not nip this urinary tract infection in the butt before it required a Dr.'s visit. I was instructed to take the pill twice a day for seven days. The first two days the medicines did make me feel a little drowsy, but I think my body adjusted. Just make sure you give yourself time to know how it will affect you before driving etc. I also would suggest taking it with a full meal. I did not experience any nausea, but I made it a point to only take my pills with a full stomach. I noticed results by the third day. I just finished the last dose and am feeling great."

9 / 10
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  • lucky...
  • April 27, 2015

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) "Started macrobid no rection first day second day felt congested in my chest which was weird by that night I had cold fingers and toes and very sore joints, toes, fingers, ankles and worst of all the knees. Feel really awful have stopped the antibiotic never again. Can't wait to feel normal again"

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  • K Mon...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 19, 2017

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) "EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT. I had a great experience with Macrobid. I am actually allergic to a few meds so I was relieved to have one for a mean UTI I got over the last few days. I actually started taking it Macrobid, 100MG twice daily for 7 days, BEFORE coming to this site to read the reviews. Firstly, it says to take it with food or milk, so many probably didn't follow those directions b/c it will give you nausea/vomiting if you don't. The only side effect I've had is drowsiness. But my doctor also prescribed me with metronidazole 500mg, taken twice daily WITH the Macrobid to offset symptoms that can bring on a yeast infection etc. I only get UTIs once or twice a year, but this one reared it's ugly head and Macrobid worked wonders for me."

10 / 10
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  • emmya
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 26, 2019

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) "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"

5 / 10
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  • Chevol
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 3, 2013

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) "This antibiotic is a God send! I am allergic to Penicillins and Sulfas. At first I tried Cipro, it didn't work. I had kidney stones for 8 months, I finally got my second lithotripsy in June for an 8x9mm stone and then my kidney got infected. This is my fourth day on Macrobid and I have had no serious side effects except 1 bout of diarrhea on day 1, which was welcomed compared to the nausea and pain from the infection. Macrobid actually got rid of my nausea!"

10 / 10
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  • Bumbl...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 23, 2012

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) "I suffered severe headaches & nausea for hours from the very first dose & every dose thereafter. I would feel faint, overheated, extremely tired; I slept with the windows open and the heat off (it's winter). 4 days of taking Macrobid, I begin to have loose stools & severe muscles aches & neck stiffness. I began to have a sore throat & a dry cough on day 2. After stopping, within 24 hours I begin to itch severely. I've been off of it for 48 hours & I still have a headache & I use Benadryl for the itching. I was given Levaquin in 1 dose, then Macrobid 100 mg 2X a day for 10 days by the ER doctor. But my primary doctor thought it was an overkill and should have used just the Levaquin."

3 / 10
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39 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.