Started Nitrofurantoin and folic acid at same time, which one caused dreadful diarrhoea?

[themindlady]

This is the first time I have asked for help. I was prescribed Nitrofurantoin for UTI and, at the same time, prescribed 5mg folic acid. Within hours I had the worst runs ever. I continued with the antibiotic but stopped the folic acid. I couldn't even leave the bathroom for periods over the next 3-4 days and now, a week later, still don't feel well. I need to take the folic acid for the next 4 months but I am scared to. Any ideas which one could have caused my problem? Thank you. (70 yr female)

[idi79]

Nitrofurantoin can cause stomach upsets, I have to take it quite often for UTI’s and am always told to take it with food to help prevent it upsetting my stomach. I don’t know about folic acid. Hope you feel better soon.

[themindlady in reply to idi79]

Thank you. If the problem was the folic acid I thought I could ask for it in another form but my health centre is in the middle of a merger and I don't like to ask for anything unless I have to.

[piggie50]

I take folic acid with no problems.

[themindlady in reply to piggie50]

Thank you for answering. It looks like it was the antibiotic. I hope I don't need to take it again!

[Applesnpears]

Folic acid can upset the digestive system.

I suggest you speak to your pharmacist about what has happened and ask for their advice. He/she might be better placed than your GP to discuss side effects, interactions and after effects of the two medications.

[themindlady in reply to Applesnpears]

I never thought of that! I will try that. Thank you so much.

[paintbox]

Sorry to hear you've had a bad reaction, it's v frustrating.

It would be helpful to your gut to take a good quality probiotic and prebiotic to counteract the effect of the antibiotics. This is very helpful for re-stabalising the gut after harsh antibiotics.

Bear in mind the form that the medications are in, as some contain different additional ingredients; for example if I take gastro resistant aspirin tablets I get terrible stomach pains, but have no issue with the dispersible form.

Also check to find the most natural form of the folic acid which will be the most readily absorbed (a good health store should be able to advise for supplements).

I hope things settle soon, it horrible when you get scared to take medication because it causes these reactions.

[themindlady in reply to paintbox]

Thank you so much, that was really helpful. I am going to check out the local health store tomorrow. You are right, it certainly is horrible to be scared of the medicine prescribed for us. Have a lovely day.

[hunter5582]

I think you got it right. The Nitrofurantoin has diarrhea as common reaction. Also note that epocates describes the Mechanism of Action: bacteriostatic or bactericidal, depending on susceptibility and concentration; inhibits DNA, RNA, protein, and cell wall synthesis (imidazolidinedione). Listed as Serious reactions are leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia. Who knew!? Might have bumped your blood cell numbers down a bit - but not worth it if it made you that sick.

If you do not already use something the ePocrates website is a terrific resource. You can get a free on-line version that lets you check the drug monographs and drug interactions epocrates.com/ .

[themindlady]

Thank you so much for your excellent help. I have joined the ePocrates website and was shocked at the sheer number of unpleasant side effects Nitrofurantoin can cause. I found a number of reviews on Drugs.com, many of which sounded as if I had written them myself. If I need antibiotics for UTI again I will voice my concerns. Thank you again.