Nitrofurantoin and Headaches: What Users Say

• dan...
• May 22, 2021

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) for Urinary Tract Infection "Let me guess... you have a UTI and you're researching the med the doctor prescribed. You're slowly starting to panic because all the reviews are telling you not to take this poison. I was in the same spot. All I can say is: Take the med. I took each pill with food. First dose after McDonald's because I was a nervous Nelly and if I was going to take this awful pill, it was going to be with a treat. Second dose was after I ate a McFlurry I had saved. I also took it various times with a bagel, spaghetti, and Taco Bell. Before you judge me, it's the weekend so I did, in fact, have McDonald's and Taco Bell. After the first pill, I had a headache. I had some gas-type discomfort and a little bit of bloating, but that's really it. Within 4 hours or so, I was feeling relief and no longer breathing fire out of my urethra. I promise it's worth it to take away a hideous UTI. Don't be scared by these reviews, please! You will be okay. And take it with a McFlurry."

• Say...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 4, 2020

For Bladder Infection "Do not take nitrofurantoin. There is a good chance, like me, you will experience heart palpitations, syncope, shortness of breath, severe headaches, tingling/numbness, belching, lethargy, depression, anxiety, swollen bladder, just to name a few. Take this drug off the market now before someone is severely injured by it. Coming from a nurse!"

• Ale...
• November 11, 2018

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) for Bladder Infection "MOST reviews on the internet are going to be more negative than positive. If you had a bad experience, you're more likely to share than if the experience was fine. There are thousands of people using these meds every day and they are fine, so you never read about it. Let me reassure you it worked just fine. I always ate food WITH it and drank lots of water and took a daily probiotic. I had a mild headache on the 2nd day and a little stomach cramps/loose stools by the 4th day, but nothing that major. It took 4 days for my UTI symptoms to go away, and by the last day, day 7, back to normal. Some of the negative symptoms people describe are also the same symptoms you get when your UTI gets advanced or worse... not every antibiotic will work for every infection. Not necessarily a bad reaction, just not working. This med has been around for 50+ years and targets your urinary tract. It gets filtered through your kidneys and gets right to the source. Don't be afraid, if your doc thinks you need it."

• TMa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 25, 2020

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) for Urinary Tract Infection "DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS DRUG. I feel like my feet are plugged into an electrical socket - the worst pain I've ever felt. Side effects mentioned tingling, but I feel like I'm being electrocuted - it's THAT PAINFUL. My vision is blurred. I spent days sweating, with fever and chills. I thought I had coronavirus and a UTI. The first pill delivered the most intense headache on earth - I needed a pain pill to counteract it. Dizziness and fatigue hit me where I slept all day after the second pill. It wasn't until day 3 that I realized it was Macrobid making me so sick, as I was fine before. When my feet began feeling like they were literally set ablaze from the inside out, I stopped taking this stuff immediately. I stopped yesterday and still have an excruciating burning pain in my feet and a tingling sensation in my hands. If this still has me in this level of pain on Monday, I'm calling a lawyer. I've never experienced ANY side effects from medicine, and with this one, I've experienced them all. This is poison! Do not take it."

• Not...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 14, 2021

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) for Urinary Tract Infection "I went to the doctor for a complaint of a UTI. The doctor prescribed Macrobid for 5 days, twice a day. It definitely worked for the UTI within 2 days, but I had severe side effects: sharp abdominal pains, urine turned dark orange, no appetite, headaches, terrible nausea, left shoulder pain, back pain, tired, almost felt like my head was in the clouds. When I finished the medication, I felt worse. I felt like I wanted to cry. I felt confused, still no appetite, I didn’t feel like myself at all. Stomach cramping pains still with a distended abdomen. I literally almost felt like a walking zombie. I’m still getting abdominal cramps and a swollen abdomen. I need to see my doctor. I’m never taking this medication again."

• Dem...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 1, 2021

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) for Urinary Tract Infection "Had a UTI that Keflex could not treat. I could tell it was getting worse. Got Macrobid, a few hours after the first pill I felt better. I did take it with food and lots of water. The only symptom I experienced was headaches. Took all the 7 days worth of meds and it wasn't bad at all. I was super scared to take it because of the reviews but I was like... you know what, everyone's body is different and I didn't want the UTI to get worse. So if you got this medication, please take it with food and drink a ton of water."

• Mel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 24, 2020

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) for Bladder Infection "Just taken four Macrobid tablets over two days. Had a headache yesterday and felt sick this morning. Worst issue is it’s made me pee more and I’m having to rush to the loo at the last minute as the urge comes on suddenly. Good news is the strange tingling feeling has gone when I pee and it’s no longer painful."

• Est...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 27, 2020

For Bladder Infection "Prescribed for a very mild UTI, wish I never had, severe headache, stiff neck and shoulder muscles like cement, nausea, feels like brain is swooshing with movement, exhausted, emotional. Possibly the worst side effects I have ever had of any medication. Have never had any trouble with an antibiotic. I'm only 2 days in and 5 to go, I'm so tired, my hand is getting tired and strained for effort just to type this. Sounds all exaggerated, but I feel utterly terrible."

• got...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 24, 2016

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) for Bladder Infection "I am finding it VERY hard to believe these bad reviews of Macrobid. I'm thinking these are the apple cider vinegar, D-Mannose, and cranberry juice people, NONE of which cure UTIs. I have been battling recurrent and/or relapsing UTIs for a few years, despite being celibate. Up until now, Bactrim worked. Yes, it gave me a headache and made my heart race, but it worked. Then I tried Monurol, worked a few times, expensive beyond, then stopped. Yesterday I tried Macrobid for the first time, no side effects. Had I listened to these reviews, I would have killed myself before taking it. It seems to be working. It doesn't kill your gut flora. It's considered one of the SAFEST of the UTI drugs. All I can say is do not be afraid to try it!"

• Use...
• May 23, 2020

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) for Urinary Tract Infection "Took Macrobid (Nitrofurantoin) twice for a UTI. The first time, I experienced a slight fever, chest pains, and difficulty breathing. I switched medication after speaking with my doctor, but I did not know that it also went by the name Macrobid as the generic brand. I had taken Macrobid before and was fine, so assumed that this was a one-off instance of bad side effects. Now taking it for a second time, and am experiencing very bad side effects of nausea, splitting headaches, slight fever, fatigue. No other UTI medicine I’ve taken before has caused similar reactions. Would not recommend taking something so risky when there are plenty of other just as effective alternatives."

• 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!"

• Deb...
• July 4, 2021

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) for Bladder Infection "The first few days after taking Macrobid, the symptoms weren’t too bad. I was experiencing a little stomach problems, diarrhea mainly. About day three on, I got really sick, really bad nausea and upper belly ache, pounding headaches, felt lightheaded. I couldn’t function, had to lay down and rest all of the time. I realized I was halfway through the dosage and thought I could tough it out, but had to stop at day six (7 day dosage). This is now day 7, and I haven’t taken any medication but still have strong symptoms, hopefully, will reside soon. I will never take this medication again, I felt like my body was being poisoned."

• Lai...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 20, 2017

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) for Bladder Infection "After being prescribed Monurol (a single dose, powder sachet antibiotic) for a pretty nasty bladder infection, I had to go back to the doctor because I was still in serious pain. My family doctor prescribed Macrobid, and after taking one dose, I started to have relief. I'm pretty sensitive to medications, I usually get the full list of side effects; headache, nausea, diarrhea, but with Macrobid, absolutely nothing - not even the weird possible 'darkening of urine'. Believe me, I'm a big baby, I'd whine about anything, this medication was amazing."

• Dan...
• February 10, 2017

Macrobid (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!"

• Anonymous
• February 13, 2015

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) for Bladder Infection "After reading the reviews of Macrobid, I was terrified to take it. As a person with severe acid reflux and irritable bowel syndrome, I was scared that I would have all these terrible experiences that people were describing. However, all of my doses were taken with a COMPLETE meal and I did not suffer from any side effects except for a slight headache."

• No ...
• June 6, 2016

Macrobid (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."

• Lul...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 6, 2019

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) for Bladder Infection "I was prescribed this medication due to a kidney infection. I must say by the second day of taking the medication, I was able to void (pee). The lower back pains subside a little, I was elated that I was able to move. I advise to always eat first before taking any antibiotics, it could be a little harsh on your stomach. I will definitely take this medication again. Keep in mind that every medication has a side effect, everyone tolerates medication very differently. Give the medication some time to work, you can also take two Tylenol with your antibiotics to avoid headaches. Feel better soon, everyone."

• Anonymous
• January 18, 2010

Macrobid (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."

• Dan...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 30, 2015

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) for Urinary Tract Infection "I have been prone to UTIs for years. I have been put on every antibiotic under the sun. For me, this is the antibiotic I would choose every time because it works and has minimal side effects. The only side effect I have experienced is a headache. I will take a headache any day over horrible bladder infection pain. Also, this antibiotic helps to clear up the infection within the first day of use, which is a plus for me so I am not in pain as long. (I have taken Cipro, which made me throw up and cry, Bactrim, didn't clear up my infection, and Monurol which made me very sick as well.) It is important to remember to make a 'pill sandwich' with this antibiotic. You eat a full meal, take the pill, and then eat some snacks after the pill."

• Jwc...
• October 2, 2019

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) for Urinary Tract Infection "Never again. I thought I was going to die. I was prescribed this drug for a UTI. 2 tabs a day for 3 days. 2 tablets in, I was in so much pain in every inch of my body I couldn't walk. I felt like I had a pain in my chest every time I needed to take a breath, and my headache was the worst I'd ever experienced. My vision was blurry, and I was constantly thirsty despite being hydrated. I felt queasy, and my skin was so sore to touch I couldn't even pull on my trousers. I know everybody is different, but after checking about other users' experiences, there is obviously a huge issue with side effects and this medication. I thought if I did manage to sleep, I'd never wake up again. I tried pain meds, but nothing touched this. I phoned my doctor and was told to stop taking them. My experience was so horrendous I'm frightened to take anything else again. I'm hoping that once it's out of my system, I'll feel better, but 4 days on, I still feel some effects."

• Rhl...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 11, 2020

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) for Prevention of Bladder infection "I have been taking 100 mg of Macrobid at bedtime each night for the past almost 2 weeks to hopefully prevent reoccurring UTIs. After a couple of days, I developed such a bad cough that I was actually sent for a COVID-19 test, ran low-grade fevers, had headaches, no energy at all...could barely move and felt faint and had no appetite. Forgot the pill one night and realized, late the following day, how great and normal I felt all day, so much energy...actually wanted to and enjoyed eating. Took my pill again that night and next day...it was even worse. Am calling my doctor, I don’t want to feel like I’m literally fading away."

• mom...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 19, 2014

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) for Bladder Infection "Had a severe bladder infection, passing blood clots in my urine, pain, bladder spasms, and urinating every 5 minutes. I am allergic to sulfur drugs, penicillin, cipro, and levaquin, so Macrobid is really my only alternative. This is the second time I have taken it, the first time I remember no real side effects, this time I have experienced a severe headache after the first 3 pills, then that subsided. Now, on my 12th pill out of 14, I have mild nausea, dizziness, and drowsiness... nothing unbearable and definitely better than the pain of the bladder infection. Hopefully, I won't get another bladder infection, but that's wishful thinking, but I won't hesitate to use Macrobid again."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 4, 2017

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) for Urinary Tract Infection "Very good experience with some minor side effects... minor and worth having rather than being in the hospital with a kidney infection! I read some of the reviews on here. I have health anxiety and a bit of hypochondria, and I am afraid to take medications. I was hesitant to take this one as well after reading the reviews. The only side effects I felt were some mild diarrhea, headache, some muscle aches, fatigue, mild pelvic and side pain, and chills (which could have been from the UTI rather than a side effect of the medication). Please take the bad reviews with a grain of salt. Everyone responds differently to medications, and my experience was good with this. Don't take UTIs lightly, as they can lead to more serious problems."

• ATa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 22, 2020

For Urinary Tract Infection "Prescribed nitrofurantoin as a seven-day course for UTI. Was careful to take with food and expected maybe some nausea. OMG, what a horror story. I can't believe this drug is legal. Started with mild nausea and indigestion. Got worse with each dose and each day. Vomiting, diarrhea, head spinning, pounding headache. Felt so ill I thought I had COVID-19. Yes, it's dealt with the UTI, but I currently (end of day 4) feel like I'm dying. Am speaking to the pharmacist tomorrow, begging to be allowed to stop this awful medication."

• Nin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 26, 2019

For Bladder Infection "I'm so glad I found these reviews, but I wish I'd seen them before I took nitrofurantoin. After 3 pills, I started to feel really nauseous and vomited up any subsequent pills. I developed chest pains and trouble breathing. I stopped taking them immediately. Even so, I spent the most uncomfortable night of my life waking every hour. I had to sleep on my back because if I lay on my side, my chest hurt really bad. I couldn't get warm even with piles of blankets and the electric blanket on to warm the bed, and I was shaking and shivering. I felt like I had the worst flu ever. Today, I haven't been able to do anything and alternate between lying down and sitting as I have a really bad headache. I can't eat anything as it brings the nausea back. I'm with everyone who thinks this drug needs banning. It's poison. I usually don't react to drugs."