Nitrofurantoin and Diarrhea: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Dee...
• April 26, 2018

Nitrofurantoin for Bladder Infection "I've taken Macrobid a couple of times for UTI and have never had a great experience with it. I didn't have many side effects, just a little diarrhea, but I found it to be ineffective in completely getting rid of the infection. It did help as far as the symptoms went, and I felt better by day 3, but after finishing all the antibiotics, I still had mild UTI symptoms. I went to the store and purchased some of those Azo UTI detection tests, and it still showed positive for leukocytes in my urine. Luckily, I have some ampicillin and tetracycline at home, so I'm going to take those and see if I can't knock it out. If not, I'll have no choice but to see a doctor, but that's such a pain these days because they don't return phone calls and can't get me in for weeks. And I don't feel like spending 19 years in a germ-infested hospital or urgent care facility. So, my experience was that it did help but didn't cure the issue. Good luck, all!"

• Lou...
• November 17, 2015

For Bladder Infection "I suffer from recurrent UTIs. This is by far the worst one. I have had 3 weeks of antibiotics and still have the infection. I hate nitrofurantoin. It makes me feel sick, tired, lack of energy, and at the moment, I have loss of appetite, a headache, and loose and frequent bowel movements. I personally feel I can develop a tolerance for the antibiotics. Even though my symptoms go away for a few days, I don't feel any better within myself as the antibiotics pose more problems."

• M00...
• June 2, 2017

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "I was scared out of my wits to take this antibiotic after reading these reviews, but I am here to put your minds at ease. I'm highly allergic to penicillin and NSAIDs (Ibuprofen), so I have wicked medication anxiety when it comes to taking anything new. I had to take this for 5 days, and I was warned when I received this medication that it would cause dizziness, nausea, upset stomach, and loose stools, which is all I experienced with this pill. On the first day, I had nausea, upset stomach, and diarrhea, the second day, I had nausea and dizziness, on the 3rd day, I had nausea, upset stomach, and diarrhea. The every-other-day symptoms pattern continued the whole time I took this. Make sure you have a full stock of toilet paper at home. Pill tastes nasty."

• M00...
• June 2, 2017

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "I was scared out of my wits to take this antibiotic after reading these reviews, but I am here to put your minds at ease. I'm highly allergic to penicillin and NSAIDs (Ibuprofen), so I have wicked medication anxiety when it comes to taking anything new. I had to take this for 5 days, and I was warned when I received this medication that it would cause dizziness, nausea, upset stomach, and loose stools, which is all I experienced with this pill. On the first day, I had nausea, upset stomach, and diarrhea, the second day, I had nausea and dizziness, on the 3rd day, I had nausea, upset stomach, and diarrhea. The every-other-day symptoms pattern continued the whole time I took this. Make sure you have a full stock of toilet paper at home. Pill tastes nasty."

• Bre...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 3, 2018

Nitrofurantoin for Bladder Infection "I really had no issues at all taking this medication. I was prescribed 100 mg twice a day, and I take it with a serving of cheese. The day I started, I had some loose bowels, but nothing too bad. I'm now on day 5, and my bladder infection hasn't cleared. I am still getting episodes of burning, and I have frequent urination."

• 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."

• kit...
• August 19, 2017

For Urinary Tract Infection "Was prescribed 3 days of trimethoprim for a UTI, and they didn't touch it. I'm now on day 6 of a 7-day course of nitrofurantoin, and I have had terrible diarrhea and stomach cramps. My urine has also turned a bright yellow, which I'm concerned about since I thought it only turned dark yellow or brown on these tablets. Anyway, my UTI symptoms don't seem to have gotten any better."

• Alc...
• September 16, 2018

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "I was prescribed a 7-day course of Macrobid for a mild UTI. 2nd day: all UTI symptoms gone. Neon yellow urine. 3rd day: feeling like a cold is starting. Dry mouth, congestion. Back and stomach aches, but I dismissed it to PMS and a prior back injury. Pain was so unusual (not relieved by menthol gel and a heating pad) and only somewhat relieved by ibuprofen and sleep. 4th day: diarrhea, stomach bloating/pain, back pain, darker urine. 5th day: I began getting concerned that it may be liver pain after reading the drug's side effects. My pain is exactly around my liver. It has become unbearable, and all I want to do is sleep so I don’t have to deal with it. Darker urine. There’s a chance I will stop taking this medication early. I know it’s a big no-no to stop antibiotics early, but I’m getting a little desperate to feel normal again. Also concerned I may be doing some permanent damage to my liver."

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

For Urinary Tract Infection "First time to use this medication. I felt awful to begin with, the UTI was awful, hadn’t had one in over 20 years. The medication started working immediately, the pain in my back went away, the pain while urinating went away, but I was nauseous after taking it and had an overall yucky feeling. Can’t really say it was all because of the medicine because I felt awful with the UTI. It did its job. To me, the pros outweigh the cons. My doctor did stress to not take it on an empty stomach and to be sure to drink lots of water. I did, even though I didn’t feel like eating. I did when I took the medication. All done now and UTI gone, did have some diarrhea on the last day, but I usually do with any antibiotics."

• Har...
• August 2, 2019

For Urinary Tract Infection "The doctor prescribed these for a bad urine infection, saying that if I had any problems, I should inform the surgery and get alternative antibiotics. I took 4 of these horrible capsules; after the second one, a bad headache came on, with very bad diarrhea. I was so exhausted and couldn't think straight. I was still having to rush to the toilet frequently. I had a very bad headache in the night, very bad leg cramps, and I felt very sick. This morning, I couldn't face any food but took my morning dose with some milk. My headache got worse and worse, my heart was racing, I felt a terrible pressure in my skull, and I felt full of anger. My vision was very blurred (more than usual). I felt dizzy, I couldn't walk straight; I just felt awful, very unwell, and not myself at all. Avoid this medication."

• kri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 6, 2017

Nitrofurantoin for Prevention of Bladder infection "I was prescribed a low dose of it for prevention of UTIs, and it gave me diarrhea, which, for someone already dealing with IBS and constant UTIs, is not helpful at all. Aside from that, no side effects. Still stopped taking it, though, and was prescribed methenamine. Hope it works!"

• 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."

• And...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 6, 2019

For Urinary Tract Infection "Pop"!!! That sound came from my right calf last night after being on this medication. I cannot walk or ambulate. I had been telling my family for three days that I felt I needed to check into the hospital but had no idea that the severe stomach pains, aching body like I had a widespread infection, two fingers on my right hand so tender that any bump made me wince in pain, stabbing pains to the back of my head, confusion, loose stools, upset stomach with GERD all could come from one pill. As soon as I heard the loud pop in my calf, I went online. I also have been experiencing a feeling that I had a hernia in my navel but had not experienced anything to have caused a strain. I was given fourteen pills, I have four left. I cannot do it another day. Funny thing, my doctor just gave me these pills on a suspected UTI. I think if I drop my decaf coffee habit, I won’t have any issues with that. My doctor did not ask me about what I’m drinking, like soda and coffee, they just push these killer drugs on us and should query us more about our lifestyles and what we can do to help ourselves. I am 58."

• Job...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 3, 2016

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "Wasted my money on this antibiotic. Made me feel so nauseated for several hours after taking it, and gave me diarrhea, but I tried it for four days, twice daily, hoping it might treat the UTI I had it prescribed for. No such luck yet. Still having symptoms of burning, urgency, and frequency; now I'll be going back to the clinic to wait for hours and get a new script. Wait in line at the pharmacy, pay more money... Such a waste of precious time, money, and sick leave."

• Bet...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 3, 2021

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "I’ve had a constant headache and nausea that is very similar to a migraine since day one of taking the Macrobid. Cold sweats and dizziness come and go just before the evening dose is due, then the cycle begins again. Dose 3 resulted in severe stomach cramps comparable to food poisoning, paired with nonstop diarrhea. Feel like vomiting but managing to keep the broth I’ve been having down. So far, it’s been a nightmare. I’d rather have a UTI and a raging yeast infection."

• Jea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 21, 2021

For Urinary Tract Infection "After one day of this medication, I was sicker than I was before I took it. Then it took 24 hours to get out of my system. I recalled the Dr and had the pharmacy put in my records never to give this to me again. This was the worst experience of my life. I had vomiting, diarrhea, and was unable to keep food down, unable to even sleep, and a terrible taste in my mouth."

• Mrs...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 9, 2018

For Bladder Infection "Was given nitrofurantoin on Wednesday, and by Friday I was three times sicker than I was when I went to the clinic in the first place. Nausea, gas, diarrhea, vertigo-like symptoms, vomiting. I also had a strange sweat and chills like fever when there was no fever the day I went to the doctor. I followed dosage instructions and took it with food, but this medicine is making me sicker. I decided to stop taking it, and it's been 24 hours since my last dose. I'm just now feeling some relief from the side effects."

• Jon...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 21, 2019

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "I am 45, and I am currently taking Macrodantin to treat a UTI. Never have I ever felt so bad taking medication. I initially thought my body was fighting the infection, but it wasn’t the case. I am now taking the medicine (4x100mg/day). I feel very tired, very dizzy, I have diarrhea. My breathing is not great, and I feel a bit confused... definitely not myself. Also, pains in my fingers... I can't wait to finish the treatment tomorrow. On a positive side, the infection seems gone as urine is clear."

• Ken...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 27, 2019

For Urinary Tract Infection "My experience with this medication has been absolutely terrible. I’ve had bad stomach cramps, terrible diarrhea (I never get diarrhea), shakiness, extreme tiredness. I will never take this medication again once I’m done with my dosage."

• 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!"

• Lin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 13, 2021

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "Took this medication for 5 days, twice per day with food. It made me dizzy, gave me indigestion, and terrible stomach cramps. My biggest problem came about a week after finishing the course, I now have diarrhea every day despite taking a probiotic. Doesn't seem like it is getting any better, and it is very disruptive to my life. I don't think I would ever take this medication again just because of the diarrhea."

• Daz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 22, 2019

For Urinary Tract Infection "I'm a 48-year-old male and have been on this terrible drug for four days now, after being diagnosed with a UTI, and the side effects from nitrofurantoin are horrendous. Bloating, strange pain in the abdomen, nausea, coughing, unable to focus properly, lack of appetite, bloody diarrhea, and the worst, severe night sweats. I can't get out of bed, let alone work, and feel ill every single day. My advice is to avoid this medication. I literally feel like I'm dying!"

• Jac...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 2, 2020

For Prevention of Bladder infection "Started taking this nitrofurantoin for a water (bladder) infection. Felt sick, got side effects from it - diarrhea and thrush. Cefalexin used to do the trick with no side effects for me, but the GP said this is one of the antibiotics that can make your infection resistant to antibiotics, sadly. So to treat an infection for one thing lasted twice as long as I had to treat thrush as well! But at least no burning, painful water infection!"

• CEC...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 1, 2018

For Bladder Infection "I had problems with this drug from day one. The side effects escalated until I ceased taking it on day three. Reactions included dry cough, strangling throat feeling, off taste, heart palpitations, water retention, high blood pressure, nightmares, vertigo, headache, nausea, kills the appetite, gas, diarrhea, vomiting, blurry vision, red eyes."

• Ste...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 28, 2021

For Bladder Infection "Good points: 1. THEY WORK!! This antibiotic drug started to clear up my UTI within 24 hours of starting the course. 2. I suffered no unpleasant side effects like some other people have, in fact, I didn't experience the usual stomach cramps or mild diarrhea that seems to dog me when taking other antibiotics. Bad points: 1. They make me pee more, perhaps this is a good thing as it may flush out the bacteria quicker, but it is annoying having to get up 2 or 3 times in the night to urinate. 2. They make my pee smell really strange and quite unpleasant, although they don't cause any change in urine color. 3. They make my skin itch like you'd not believe, ALL OVER!! However, I soon worked out that taking an antihistamine at the same time as my tablet canceled out that problem."