nitrofurantoin or trimethoprim worried about taking either of them for uti

[Lookonbright]

On Saturday woke up wanting to pee urgently having some pain which led to more urgency and then found blood in urine. I am sixty went to walking health centre to be told I have an infection.

Was prescribed Nitrofurantoin was worried about taking due to the side effects, I am so anxious about taking any medication, took one tablet and threw up soon afterwards, could have been due to anxiety. Did not take anymore.

The GP has now prescribed Trimethoprim feeling so nervous to take this as well due to list of scary side effects.

which of the two is the lesser evil? I know I am being silly but am so anxious.

The bleeding has stopped and not hurting so much when urinating, but feels very uncomfortable down below. Starting a new job tomorrow really don’t know what to do, the GP did not seem very sympathetic.

The chances of side effects are rare. The chances of your simple uti tracking and becoming a more serious kidney infection are real. I’d put up with some possible mild side effects to get rid of the infection.

What exactly are you worried about?

They are both very commonly used and well tolerated antibiotics for UTIs.

If you have an infection it’s best to treat it.

I would say that either of them was a lesser evil than an untreated UTI.

There is no lesser evil. Antibiotics generally don't have a lot of side effects, as long as you're not allergic. Sometimes they can make you a bit nauseous if you take them on an empty stomach. You need to take antibiotics if you have an infection as it could get worse and spread to your kidneys.

Do you think you should maybe seek some help for your anxiety?