Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) - anyone felt sick after taking it?

[EllenRipley]

Had a 3 day course of Macrobid last week for uti, took last one Friday evening. Feeling really nauseous and self-treating for what I’m pretty sure is consequent thrush and/or BV (my bits are feeling decidedly unhappy). I was given antiBs without a sample being taken but have since handed one in for testing just in case I still have uti, though I’ve dipsticked my pee and it’s showing completely clear (I know dipsticks aren’t a 100% reliable testing method). I’m feeling worse than I did with the damn uti, sick to my stomach! Pretty sure the added vaginal infection isn’t helping and I’m very peri-meno so my body just does what the hell it wants these days. Has anyone else had this from macrobid? I will return to GP if it doesn’t resolve and depending on sample results, of course, just wondering if it’s one of those antiB downsides I have to ride out.
Thanks in advance, mumsnetters x

[bananaskin123]

I've only just seen your thread. I've just posted about the same thing!
Its evil stuff isn't it. I feel your pain.
As I feel a bit better I'm going to forgo the tablets and try the sachets.
Poor you, you certainly have a lot of things going on. Hope you get sorted soon.

[EllenRipley]

Oh thanks @bananaskin123 ! You too have my sympathies! Yeah I’m sticking with probiotics and canestan for now. I bloody hate taking antibiotics, this is an unfortunate reminder why. They probably did kill the original infection but I’m wishing I’d stuck with over the counter stuff (I panicked because I was going to a wedding at the weekend) so I really hope that works for you, fingers & legs crossed! X

[JohnHunter]

Nitrofurantoin isn't a nice drug. There are alternatives, which could be worth asking for if you do need antibiotics for a UTI in the future. If you have UTI symptoms and other issues down below, is it worth a trip to the sexual health clinic? They are better than anyone else at distinguishing between UTI, thrush, BV, other causes, etc.

[EllenRipley]

Thanks @JohnHunter, that’s for sure! I’ve had macrobid once before with no problems but seem to be more sensitive these days - suddenly became allergic to penicillin and trimethoprim made me very sick years ago. Don’t have a sexual health clinic nearby but will revisit my GP if symptoms don’t settle - you’re right, any one of these could cause my symptoms I had BV a few months after my son was born (doc said it was hormone-related) which is why I’m taking sledgehammer approach (but with benign, over the counter treatment).

[JohnHunter]

Ah - it does make things more complicated if trimethoprim and the penicillins are off the table. I hope you get it sorted soon!

[EllenRipley]

Thank you! I’m sure I’ll be fine but yes, I’m worryingly limited to my options! That said, gives me good reason to avoid usage whenever possible. V interesting what you described about antiB resistance varying regionally on the other macrobid thread. It’s a very worrying situation - I expect over-prescribing for utis (or symptoms thereof) in women has a lot to do with it.

[Olinguito]

It makes me feel really nauseous too - like constant morning sickness. Hope you feel better soon.

[EllenRipley]

Aah thank you @Olinguito .... That’s exactly it - I actually did a pregnancy test yesterday!