To ask your experience taking Nitrofurantoin for cystitis

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I’ve had cystitis many a time and always been prescribed trimethoprim with no issues. I had a phone appointment this afternoon and just been to pick up my antibiotics and they’re Nitrofurantoin.
I’m a severe emetophobe and get really anxious around any types of tummy issues and just read that common side effects include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. I’ve already taken one and now super anxious. Annoyingly my anxiety tends to also cause an upset stomach.
Anyone have experience of taking these with no issues?

I’ve had it because trimethoprim gives me a rash. No side effects, no problems, worked quickly and well

I find it much more effective against cystitis then trimethropim.
Never had any side effects.

I avoided Nitrofurantoin for several years due to adverse effects (diarrhoea and cramps that made me feel very ill) but I took it recently as other drugs were not clearing the infection, and had no side effects at all.

Okay this is reassuring, fingers crossed

Worked really well for me. Trimethoprim makes me really sick.
GP said nitrofurantoin is more targeted and gentler. It also didnt trigger thrush which was a big bonus!

The side effects of every antibiotic are sadly stomach issues.

I hope it works for you!

Oh brilliant, I nearly always get thrush after antibiotics so very pleased to hear that

Trimethoprim does not work for me. I’ve had Nitrofurantoin a fair few time’s with zero side effects and they’ve always worked well for me.

Nitrofurantoin works fine for me. Which is just as well, because I'm allergic to penicillin and most other antibiotics make me horribly sick. I've always found nitrofurantoin very effective, and hope you feel better soon OP.

Makes me feel sick but does the job.

I’ve taken both ab several times and I have never noticed any difference in my reaction to either.

Nitrofurantoin has aways been the most effective antibiotic against water infections for me. I used to have a lot of kidney/bladder issues and repeat infections, but it always cleared them up quickly. I don't remember ever having any side effects.

I used it once when trimethoprim didn’t cut it. I got on with it fine, it worked immediately, though my wee went fluorescent yellow. Think Stabilo Boss highlighter yellow.

I've had Nitro a few times now and I cannot recall them ever making me ill. I did find that it worked a treat though and it's likely they will for you too. Do make sure you finish the course though.

Are you able to obtain some natural yogurt? I find it helpful to eat some daily when taking ABs and it helps with thrush too. You may feel more prepared if you ordered a pessary though.

Anxiety is absolutely dreadful, I do sympathise. If you prepare yourself for the week ahead, you are taking back control.

I’ve just finished a course of it with no issues at all other than a mildly crampy stomach. Although I say finished, I have 2 tablets left because when I tried to push them through the blister pack from behind they cracked and the little pods are now full of white powder

Hi I was started on this yesterday, I feel better already.

The burning has gone
I'm like you when the doctor said about taking this antibiotic I said oh I usually have trimiphoprime, he then said we are getting immune to it. I did get a bit apprehensive.
But as I say I feel much better already.
I'm on a 3 day course.

Trimethoprim didn't work for me. Ended up in hospital with sepsis so I'm glad they don't give it out any more

Lots of the bugs are becoming immune to trimethoprim, so that is probably why they want to try something different.
I’m very prone to water infections and always get given nitrofurantoin, I have never had any side effects with it other than the weird coloured wee!
I now have to take a single dose on a regular basis and it seems to be working really well so far at stopping the infections.
My mum however can’t tolerate it at all it makes her really ill.

I hope you feel better soon.

I used this recently, I didn't get any gastric side effects at all and it did the job in a 3 day course.... The only odd thing was that it turned my wee bright yellow! Like radioactive, I'm sure it would glow in the dark 🤣

trimethoprim didn't work for me. I was left with cystitis for almost a year. Nitrofurantoin was my saviour. Only side effects was bright neon yellow wee. It was the only thing that worked. I completely recommend

It is my antibiotic of choice I always tell the GP it works best for me. It has never made me feel ill, just makes my wee really really really bright yellow. But that makes me think it is doing its job and getting where it needs to?*

*not based on any medical anything

Worked really well for me