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Nitrofurantoin and dizziness

Trigonitissufferer profile image

I have been put on nitrofurantoin 100mg once a day long term as I have trigonitis. I have been suffering with really bad dizziness, vertigo and headaches which has scared me massively. I read online that long term use of this medication Can cause pulmonary fibrosis and that dizziness is common.

Has anyone else suffered with bad dizziness and vertigo while on the medication?

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7 Replies
gillianTS profile image
gillianTS

Hi, I was put on a daily dose of nitrofurantoin and although I did not have the dizziness, vertigo and headaches you are experiencing I did decide to try and come off the drug, I took it for 3 years, I read an article from a American urologist who suggested that after a lengthy course of the drug nitrofurantoin you should consider coming off it and trying high strength cranberry tablets instead which I did, even though I was a bit dubious and I have not needed to go back on nitrofurantoin since or any other antibiotics related to this area.

Did you get advised why you were being given these antibiotics longterm for trigonitis?

Gillian

gillianTS profile image
gillianTS in reply togillianTS

Nitrofurantoin is one of a number of antibiotics given for preventing and treating infections of the bladder, kidney and other parts of the urinary tract and getting rid of UTI's over a brief course, 7 days or so at a higher dose, Nitrofurantoin is also used to control the bacteria in the first place, it is used as a maintenance dose which is why I was taking this drug for 3 years, the usual dose for a maintenance dose is 50mg once a day at night although I do see 50 to 100mg. It kills the bacteria I have never taken it as a antibiotics for getting without a UTI in the first place this previously was controlled by other antibiotics.

I wonder if the 100mg you have been prescribed is too higher dose over a longer period than the recommended 50mg. Maybe try lowering the dose to 50mg and see if this makes difference.

And you could try high strength cranberry tablets too and or D-mannose.

WarVet2020 profile image
WarVet2020

I had the same issue. Turns out it was an indication I wS pre diabetic. It’s a rare indicator. I got treated and I stopped smelling like smoke. Some people will smell like maple syrup, not kidding

Suzie42 profile image
Suzie42

Yes I was given it last year to treat a uti and it made me very I'll,, nausea, dizziness, achy etc. Was taken off and given another medication and was fine. This year when diagnosed with fibrosis , drs said as I only took it for 3 days wouldn't have caused the fibrosis, but I must not take it again.

Dedalus profile image
Dedalus

I have just stopped taking this medication for a uti; I had approx 70% of the side effects - dreadful headaches, increased breathlessness, drowsiness , dizziness, constant chills, joint pain etc. It felt like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut, so I asked for it to be changed. I already feel much better.

hallentine47 profile image
hallentine47

Yes. I was recently prescribed this medication for a Urinary infection and given a weeks supply. Very unpleasant side effects and still not sure if it was effective.

Mavary profile image
Mavary

My Husband had Pulmonary fibrosis and I read about nitrofurantoin. When my Dr prescribed nitrofurantoin for water infections I said I didn’t want to take them and told her the reason why. She gave me something else which I don’t remember which. I think nitrofurantoin is maybe a cheaper drug and as you know surgeries always try to save money. I may be wrong so don’t take my word for it but I would never take nitrofurantoin.

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