Nitrofurantoin and Tiredness: What Users Say

• 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!"

• Sar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 21, 2019

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) for Urinary Tract Infection "I’m leaving this review for people (like myself) who google EVERYTHING before they try something. I have A LOT of anxiety so reading these reviews made me very nervous about starting this med. I was given cipro 3 days ago for a UTI/kidney infection and spent the whole night throwing up, and pain etc. went back to the doctor and she prescribed Macrobid. It’s been 2 days that I have been taking it and so far, so good. Yes, you have to eat with it or I get mild nausea. I find myself more tired but that’s ok with me...I need sleep! I have been drinking a lot more water (I’m a huge water drinker to begin with) this med makes me thirsty. I’m glad I tried it and didn’t let the reviews get the best of me! I don’t know how it’s working for the UTI because I didn’t have any symptoms other than back pain. It was the urine results that warranted the medication. Everyone reacts differently to medications. So please take these reviews with a grain of salt. Good luck to everyone out there!!"

• 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."

• 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!"

• Mad...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 13, 2019

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) for Bladder Infection "If I could give Macrobid a score of a negative 1 million, I would! Because of this antibiotic, I have been sick for 4 days. Had to take a trip to the ER and had 2 bags of IV fluids put in me and a chest x-ray. All for a simple bladder infection. As soon as I took the first pill, I was instantly sick. I ended up taking 3 of my doses and stopped. I have chest pain, nausea, headaches, and very tired. Bladder infection gone in 24 hours, but I’m sick as a dog. I’m so angry this pill was prescribed to me. By the looks of it, I don't think it should be on the market!!! Do not take! Drink some cranberry juice."

• 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
• 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."

• 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."

• MN2...
• July 21, 2014

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) for Urinary Tract Infection "It worked really well to clear up my urinary tract infection, and within a day I had no symptoms; however, I was so tired while I was taking this! I also would get a feeling of nausea quite often and occasionally would make me vomit. I took it on a full stomach, but still got the feelings of nausea and fatigue."

• dee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 24, 2015

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) for Bladder Infection "I had an extremely painful bladder infection, and this medication worked by day 3. I'm on day 6 now, one more day to go. The only side effect I had was feeling tired and achy, but I slept more, which helped. Also, extreme anxiety from reading the scary reviews on here, lol. This medicine saved me from a kidney infection."

• ABa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 21, 2019

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) for Urinary Tract Infection "After just a couple doses, I am extremely tired and sleepy, and having bad dreams from which I wake up agitated and anxious. Taking Macrobid for the first time now after a horrendous UTI/bladder/kidney infection treated with Cipro left me with another Cipro-resistant infection. I am allergic to penicillins, mycins, and sulfas, so antibiotic choices are limited. I am posting just to reassure others who might have similar experiences and wonder if it is the drug, which is how I myself ended up on this webpage. I am going to stick with it and hope side effects don’t get worse, and it finally rids me of this infection and accompanying severe abdomen and back pain."

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

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) for Bladder Infection "I was prescribed Macrobid after phoning my GP with symptoms of cystitis. I sent a sample in for testing and was given a 7-day course. I hadn’t been given this drug before, but as I am 7 weeks pregnant, the options are more limited. My cystitis symptoms did clear up quickly on Macrobid, but I would never take this medication again due to the horrible side effects! I was extremely nauseous constantly, physically sick, lost my appetite, had no energy, and had aching pains in my lower back, abdomen, and thighs. I also suffered with constipation and severe bloating. I understand that drugs have side effects, but I found them worse than the actual water infection, and we all know how awful they can be, so that says it all! I’ve never reacted to an antibiotic before and will be asking for an alternative if I have another water infection."

• Anonymous
• August 2, 2009

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) for Bladder Infection "I have been on Macrobid for a urinary tract infection for 4 days and still do not have relief. I have called my doctor, and he has now prescribed me a sulfa drug. I have used the sulfa drug in the past, and it works quickly. I am miserable on the Macrobid, exhausted, irritable, weepy, nauseous, and have a headache."

• Hap...
• May 24, 2015

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) for Urinary Tract Infection "Rx paperwork does not say take with food, even though it is very important to do so. My UTI symptoms were gone after taking the first pill. I only have to take it for 3 days, but I am experiencing some side effects. I feel achy and very sleepy. Just have no energy in general. I had diarrhea after the first dose, but not terrible. I just don't want to get out of bed. I still rated this med a 10 because it did take away my UTI symptoms almost immediately. Just remember to eat a full meal before each dose, and it makes all the difference in the side effects. Two pills to go, I can do this."

• chr...
• July 23, 2014

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) for Urinary Tract Infection "I am 11 wks pregnant, and after my first OB/GYN appointment, they called me with results that I had a urinary tract infection. I was shocked because I didn't have any symptoms other than pressure by my bladder, which I was relating to the pregnancy. I was prescribed 100 mg of Macrobid x 3 days, taking 1 capsule every 12 hrs. The first night I took it a couple of hours after dinner and went to sleep. BIG MISTAKE! I woke up vomiting, ate a bagel right away, and took the second pill. I felt nauseated all day, tired, and had a mild headache. The remaining pills I took directly after a full meal and felt a little better. If it wasn't for the medicine only being for 3 days, I don't think I could've taken it any longer. I just kept telling myself that if I don't finish it, a UTI can be much more serious."

• Asd...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 29, 2020

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) for Urinary Tract Infection "I didn't appreciate the fact that you need to eat a proper meal or a sandwich when taking them. I had half a banana with the first dose, and throughout the day, I thought I felt so sick. Sick 5 times, chills, sweats, stiffness, dizziness, tiredness, and many other things. I called the surgery as I thought I might be allergic to them, but they told me I hadn't eaten enough. Relief!!!"

• mrs...
• June 30, 2015

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) for Bladder Infection "My doctor gave me this med, 1 pill a day, twice a day for 5 days. No sex, no caffeine, drinks lots of water, and take it with food. I feel so much better, but while I was taking it, I was so tired. Thank God I was on vacation because I did not feel like doing anything or going anywhere. All I wanted to do was sleep. I am so glad those 5 days are over, I feel much better."

• beb...
• March 10, 2012

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) for Urinary Tract Infection "I have had a urinary tract infection since January, and it is now March. First, I was put on a Z-pak with no relief. Then I was put on Cipro. The test came back as if I hadn't taken anything. Now I am on nitrofurantoin, and the symptoms have subsided. I have a headache and am tired, but so what, they will go away when I finish taking this. It worked great for me."

• Anonymous
• April 11, 2012

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) for Prevention of Bladder infection "I was 20 weeks pregnant when I had to go to the hospital because I had a bladder infection and kidney stones. The doctor ordered me to take this twice a day for 7 days, and it helped greatly. When I went in two weeks later for a follow-up with my ob/gyn, he said the infection was gone, but just to be safe, he put me on this for the rest of my pregnancy to prevent me from getting another infection since I'm predisposed to getting them. After three weeks of taking this once a day, I had to take myself off of it. I was nauseous all morning and night, tired to the point of lethargy, and just not feeling well at all in general. As soon as I stopped taking it, all the horribleness went away."

• Anonymous
• April 3, 2009

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) for Bladder Infection "I hated taking this medicine. My doctor gave it to me because I'm 10 weeks pregnant, and it's a safe antibiotic, but it makes me extremely exhausted and have nausea. I didn't even know I had a urinary tract infection until the routine test came up positive, and the medicine made me feel worse."

• Ano...
• May 6, 2015

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) for Bladder Infection "First day worked fine, although will say my pee was neon... wasn't expecting that. Second day, however, tired all of the time with a killer headache that doesn't seem to go away and very cold and achy. Good that I can finally sleep after three nights of not being able to (great bank holiday that was), and pain went after the first two tablets were taken. This is the second time I've been on these, would definitely take again."

• Hip...
• March 1, 2019

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) for Bladder Infection "I have taken several antibiotics for UTI for the past years. Bactrim does not work at all for me. I have had no side effects on Macrobid, which I have taken twice. I was never tired, nauseous, had diarrhea, or anything. No flu-like symptoms or headache. I guess it just depends on the individual. I would definitely use it again."

• Gra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 9, 2021

For Prevention of Bladder infection "I was given this drug to take to prevent recurring UTIs. “100 mg 1x per day with food at bedtime.” All I can say is “avoid at ALL COST!” I have ended up with horrifying bowel movements (frequency and color), backache, no energy, no appetite (great when you're supposed to take this with food), fever, chills, severe anxiety, but the worst was lung congestion, a horrifying cough, and difficulty breathing that was SO BAD I was sent for a Covid test, and they said they were certain I had it (I didn’t). Stopped taking the drug, and within 24 hours there were no more fevers, cough lessened, no congestion. Took a couple of days for the bowel movement issues, difficulty breathing, backache, etc. to subside. I think this drug should be taken off the market. I started taking the supplement D-mannose daily and have had much more luck. I will never EVER take this again."

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

Macrodantin (nitrofurantoin) for Bladder Infection "I got prescribed Macrodantin before I read these reviews. I’ve been on it now for only 2 days, and I’m dying sick. However, it cleared up my bladder infection almost immediately! I have awful flu symptoms, exhausted, and no appetite at all. I’m cold all the time and just feel terrible overall. I’ve decided to come off the antibiotic because I can’t continue feeling this way. Seriously consider what this drug does to your body before taking it!"

• Roc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 5, 2019

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) for Urinary Tract Infection "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 the pill, then a light snack afterward. Also, do not drink caffeine, as it will cause terrible anxiety... you have to take it every 12 hours, so I did 7 AM and 7 PM. 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 it for 4 more days. I was also allergic to Bactrim, so this was the alternate... take the pills."