Macrobid for Urinary Tract Infection User Reviews (Page 5)

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

"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!"

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

"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."

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

"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!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 24, 2023

"I have anxiety and I’m a hypochondriac, so I look up every medication before I take it. I hate taking medicine, no matter what it is, even Tylenol and ibuprofen. But I’ve had a recurrent UTI for the past 3 months that I just couldn’t seem to kick with my normal Keflex. I was so scared to take this because of the reviews. But I haven’t had ANY side effects besides diarrhea, which I get when I take any antibiotic. Not a single other side effect. I’ve felt great taking this medicine and finally think it kicked my UTI. Just take it. It works."

• Feather
• October 2, 2019

"I took it for three days until I suddenly experienced severe chest pain and shortness of breath. It went on for hours before I decided to see the doctor. I was immediately sent to A&E. I had three ECGs and a Chest X Ray which showed no problems with my heart. I was given a different Antibiotic to try. Chest pain went as soon as I gave them up. It's going on my notes as a no go medication for me."

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

"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."

• carol...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 29, 2019

"Took first 2 Macrobid pills, started running a fever of 101, headache, vomiting, could barely function, felt sicker than I ever have. Worried that infection had gone to kidneys. Never been to ER in my life but decided to go because I was scared. Tests all came back normal. Sent me home & said to finish my course of Macrobid. Felt better when I got home (about 12 hours since last pill), was finally able to eat, took next dose of Macrobid. Shortly thereafter I was violently ill again. Next day after close to 24 hours since last pill I started feeling better, was able to eat. That’s when it dawned on me: drug side effect I found sites like this where people had same experience. Next day the hospital called to check on me. I told them what I discovered; said they never heard of Macrobid causing reaction. Bottom line, I got sick after taking it & got well after not taking it. My symptoms match the manufacturer’s list of side effects. What else am I supposed to think?"

• ECano
• February 23, 2016

"This drug is going on my "Do Not Prescribe" list. After a day and a half on it, the fatigue was so bad I could barely function. No one claimed to know anything about this side effect, but when I looked it up I kept seeing it happening to users again and again. It helped my UTI, but I couldn't get off the couch. I phoned my doctor and was switched to Cipro. After skipping my evening dose of Macrobid and taking Cipro instead, I felt almost normal the next day. Be very, very cautious about using this drug."

• LBano
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 26, 2016

"I am 6 weeks pregnant and ended up with my first UTI. I was prescribed Macrobid because I am very allergic to Sulfa antibiotics, which landed me in a hospital a few years back. Upon reading the reviews I was so incredibly terrified to take this medication, but I had no choice. I'll consider myself lucky, but so far I have found that Macrobid is actually quite tolerable. I've been a bit more tired and achy than usual and had some mild nausea, but nothing too severe. I have found that taking with a full meal is critical and drinking TONS of fluid (water/Gatorade) helps with side effects. But for me this is really a reminder to take reviews with a grain of salt - you really have no idea how your body will react until you try it yourself."

• HNS
• February 13, 2016

"Currently on day 4/7 100mg BID. I went from feeling like my back was being ripped open and sobbing until I couldn't anymore from the pain to waking up the next day after my first dose feeling like a new person, this antibiotic is ok in my book! Mild GI issues, decreased appetite, and headaches are my only side effects. Nothing in comparison to what I was feeling before. All antibiotics aren't fun to be on, so keep that in mind before writing scary negative reviews. Hopeful that the Macrobid clears this up."

• ajetta
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 27, 2016

"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 dr. if you're concerned, there are other medications out there!"

• Anonymous
• January 18, 2012

"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. "

• Sebbi...
• August 24, 2012

"I have been using Macrobid for a couple of years now. I am allergic to all other medications and therefore this is all I have to work with. It works well, doesn't always work for me. Sometimes I have to take a second week of it. I often feel the same way as others. Headache if I haven't drank enough water, upset stomach if I hadn't ate enough food when taking the pill. It does make me tired as well. I try to eat well when I am on this medication to help with the energy level since I am allergic to caffeine and can't take that path. I think that if you make sure to take the pill with lots of food like they recommend, the nausea isn't that bad. Also, drinking more water then your ever use to, will help with the headaches."

• Del
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 13, 2019

"I was prescribed this for a mild UTI. I’ve had a UTI in the past so I knew right away what was starting. I felt normal, no urgency to pee after the second dose. I never had pain so I can’t attest to it this time but in the past it did help with that. I’ve taken it with food as directed. The only side affect maybe sweating, woke in the night soaked and had to change my clothes. Maybe it’s the drug or maybe I am getting old? I got this same reaction with steroids that I was taking with chemotherapy but that could have been chemo too..all in all I would use this again."

• Mrs...
• June 21, 2015

"I have been taking macrobid for two days now and my UTI feels better but today I woke up with terrible back aches where my kidneys are located and pains on my front sides. I have been so sleepy also today like can't even keep my eyes open with bad headaches."

• EGano
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 20, 2019

"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, 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 x's a week, am active, work full time. All I can do now is sit on the couch. I am so sorry I took Microbid. I hope this drug will eventually get out of my system."

• Mr ch...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 5, 2019

"Have had UTI 3 times now and treated with macrobid. Third time I only had a pain in my right side and within taking the first pill my heart rate shot up and got excruciating headaches and I had shivering and high temp, basically flu like symptoms. Though I was dying, I was bed bound and thought I had sepsis as most of the symptoms matched. I was crying in bed as I felt so bad. On the second day the temperature came down and shivering was gone but headaches were still there and I mean they were so bad radiating pain into my jaw. I had no appetite either but forced myself to have something as it states in the pack you should for absolution. Saw doc today and she took me off them, will wait for results to see if I need something else. Glad I looked on here, thought I was going mad. I’m sure that macrobid are fine for some people and I was the first two times, but not now. UK review"

• Miss...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 22, 2022

"When I had my first UTI I was prescribed with Bactrim. Later found out that I was allergic to it, developed some hives and rashes. Then my Dr switched it to Microbid. It was great, did not develop any side effects. UTI was gone. 3 years later, I develop another Uti, I told my doctor that I prefer to be prescribed with Microbid since I responded very well the last time I took it. But this time is different, I started to develop almost all of the side effects. I feel so weak, nauseated and dizzy all the time. Lost of appetite and my vision turned out a little funny. But my UTI was better except that the side effects just got me this time. I would say that Microbid is a good drug for UTI. As we age our body reacts differently to drugs, and indeed medications/vaccines are not a one size fits all."

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

"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 100mg 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 5, 2020

"This drug was fine at first. By the second pill it seemed as if my UTI was gone. If you don’t take this drug with TONS of food, it will mess you up. This drug also gave me sever stomach gas and diarrhea every morning. It also increased my appetite so much when I woke up that I had to eat something immediately or I felt sick. I really did not like being on this medicine. It messed up how I felt and just made me super tired and uncomfortable. I hope I never have to take it again."

• EllyMay
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 13, 2017

"I am 66 yr. old and get a lot of UTI's after going on the bike, in the pool, and apparatus at the gym that causes friction in that area. I usually get ciproflaxcin, 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 going to take another week, to get " semi- normal" again, but, this med takes me down every time."

• Chashc
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 7, 2019

"Awful drug. Took Macrobid for 3 days for UTI where I couldn’t eat as I felt so sick, slept nearly all day every day as it made me so tired. I’m on the progesterone contraceptive pill it has interacted with that and I’ve had a period for 3 weeks non stop since taking these antibiotics (after 5 years of no periods). Three weeks on from taking these I have been depressed the whole time, not wanting to get out of bed and felt teary and everything was making me cry. I thought I was going insane as you don’t expect medication to still be effecting you 3 weeks after you have finished taking it!! Gave me twitches in my hands too! Need this medication out of my body ASAP!! Trying to take charcoal, probiotics and milk thistle to recover my body from this awful drug!! Do not take it, ask for a general antibiotic instead as it’s so not worth the side effects. I’d rather suffer from the UTI than ever take them again!!"

• since...
• April 7, 2015

"It was 5am in the morning when I first started with the symptoms. My prescription for macrobid was ready by 9:30am . I took my first dose by 10am. By about 1pm I was able to fall asleep since the pain and urgency to run to the bathroom subsided. Thank goodness"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 9, 2014

"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 decent meal with the meds, BUT it still came back about an hr to 1.5 hrs. 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."

• Adele
• June 13, 2017

"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 quick. What began as a little bit of nausea, ended with body aches, leg cramps, intense chills, night sweats, dizziness, confusion, to fainting twice (terrifying), to 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.:("