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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Scared to take nitrofurantoin for UTI

38 replies

Daisiesandgrass · 24/07/2026 20:21

I've been prescribed nitrofurantoin for a UTI after my sample was sent to the lab. I have an extreme aversion to medication after a bad experience 6 years ago. I've been reading online (stupid I know) and all the side effects have terrified me - they're all the side effects I experienced years ago and it took me years to get back to some sort of normality. I don't want to go through that again. I don't know what to do!! The only UTI symptom I've has is smelly wee for months, I thought it was supplements or dehydration.
Has anyone else experienced side effects?
Is there a natural was I can get rid of this?

OP posts:
RampantIvy · 24/07/2026 22:29

ToThineOwnSelf · 24/07/2026 21:55

Ask for a ‘simpler’ antibiotic like amoxicillin instead.

The particular bacteria that caused the infection might not be sensitive to amoxycillin.

This is why samples are lab tested - so that the patient receives the correct prescription.

Popovf · 24/07/2026 23:09

Man here, Nitrofurantoin is the go to for me with an infection, fast acting, take the pain away quickly. I keep some in stock. After testing a sample sometimes I am changed to Trimothoprine. I had major work on my urinary system. Infection fairly common.
Obvs different to women. just saying.

RestingGrumpFace · 24/07/2026 23:09

I had a course of Nitrofurantoin last week, never had it before, it was absolutely fine, and I often over-react to meds.

Try and take your doses as close to 12 hours apart as possible, and with food.

Daisiesandgrass · Yesterday 01:10

Thank you all!
@RestingGrumpFace ive set an alarm for 9.45 am and PM so I can have food and take them at 10. I took it on a full stomach and then had banana and yoghurt after. I'm trying to be as careful as possible

OP posts:
Clonakilla · Yesterday 01:25

I would consider a side effect to be extremely common if it affected 10% of patients ie it didn’t affect 90% of them.

but If you think the side effects of an antibiotic are worrying, the side effects of an untreated UTI that becomes sepsis are
gonna blow your mind.

CoolPlayer · Yesterday 01:32

Just make sure you get it sorted somehow. I had a uti I didn’t know I had and it got really bad going to my kidney!

pastadish · Yesterday 09:04

Lifelover16 · 24/07/2026 20:59

You don’t get a UTI in the uterine walls. The clue is in the acronym - UTI means urinary tract infection and can be in any part of the urinary tract - urethra, bladder, ureters, kidneys.

Wherever the bacteria forms I don’t know I’m not a medical person but it’s along those lines that it helps the bacteria not stick to wherever it may stick

Victorius19 · Yesterday 09:45

Once I stopped taking the tablets, it was around 72 hours to feel human again. It was like having flu.... temperature, shivers, joint pains. I'm highly sensitive to a lot of antiobiotics though so I was surprised I was Ok with it the first few times.

Mary46 · Yesterday 09:53

Op mine were not budging so got stronger antib. The vagifem has helped too. They desperate. Dont think d mannose helps me as mine come on very fast. You feel awful though

ikeepforgetting · Yesterday 10:00

I just finished 3 days of this, did feel nauseous from time to time, but it worked quickly to take away the acute pain. Taking with food and staying active after taking it helped to stave off nausea. Worth it to be rid so fast! Hope you are on the mend soon.

JacknDiane · Yesterday 10:13

CamomileCream · 24/07/2026 20:52

Just finished a course. No reaction, no problems

Same herr

Elieza · Yesterday 10:32

no reaction for me either.

maybe you would be better to try and work out what medicine it was you took previously and what caused the reaction from it so you can avoid similar ingredients in future.

post that in a separate thread and see if any pharmacists can help?

Lifelover16 · Yesterday 17:04

pastadish · Yesterday 09:04

Wherever the bacteria forms I don’t know I’m not a medical person but it’s along those lines that it helps the bacteria not stick to wherever it may stick

The bacteria may adhere to the bladder walls - the U stands for urinary , ie to do with urine. Nothing to do with the uterus.

It may be wiser not to offer medical advice if you don’t understand .

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