Pprednisolone and nitrofurantoin: Hello all - was... - PMRGCAuk

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Pprednisolone and nitrofurantoin

Poshdog profile image
27 Replies

Hello all - was going really down to 4mgs but stuck there for 4 years.Then the dreaded UTI struck and I was prescribed 6 tablets nitrofruantoin over 3 days. Took first one yesterday, was very sick all night and now left with all over pains, dizziness and weakness.

Is there a correlation? Never felt this bad. Have upped pred to 10 but as yet no improvement.

Really need some help as difficult to get out of bed.

Thank you all you lovely people x

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Poshdog
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27 Replies
SnazzyD profile image
SnazzyD

Oh poor you. It could be the Nitrofurantoin because some people feel horrible on it. However, it could be a stomach bug on top which might affect your Pred absorption causing an adrenal crisis. Another thing is the UTI bug could be resistant to the antibiotic though one dose is not enough to do much anyway. It may be that the UTI is rampaging faster than the antibiotic can work. You do need quick medical advice today in my opinion. You could try 111.

What symptoms made you think you had a UTI? Do you have any specific pain in the back around the kidneys? What is it that is stopping you getting out of bed?

Poshdog profile image
Poshdog in reply toSnazzyD

Hi snazzyD, no no pain around kidneys, just frequency and stinging. Sudden general weakness and balance issues. Never had them before- dehydration? Was really very sick, not at all nice.

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew

Hi Poshdog,

I had to take Nitrofurantoin for a UTI a couple of years ago and I took it for 10dys.

It turned my urine a different colour but it also made me feel very nauseous initially. I made sure I always took the medication either with or after food and this definitely helped ease the nausea..... after 2 or 3 days on it everything settled down again.

It can cause dizziness but your reaction does seem quite a severe one. I think like Snazzy that you may possibly have a tummy bug too, but we're all different in how we react to meds so it would probably be a good idea to talk to a medical professional and discuss how you feel in order to address your symptoms in the most efficient way.

I hope you get sorted quickly and wish you a speedy recovery.

Poshdog profile image
Poshdog in reply toKendrew

Thank you, will see how I feel tomorrow x

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador

Probably - it has a reputation as a horrible antibiotic! There are others that aren't as vicious - like Snazzy I'd say get medical advice.

Poshdog profile image
Poshdog in reply toPMRpro

Will do, am going back to gp when they have lab results x

pamela4215 profile image
pamela4215

I have had four UTI's over the last twelve months and have been prescribed Nitrofuantoin each time. On three occasions this drug was not effective and I was prescribed a different antibiotic which cleared the infection. The GP on each occasion said that I had to take the Nitrofuantoin as it was protocol to be the first drug prescribed. I felt awful each time. I was nauseous, felt faint and dizzy and generally very ill. It was horrible. If I get another UTI - and I probably will - there is no way I am taking this antibiotic again. I do sympathise with you and hope it works for you after going through this nasty experience.

Poshdog profile image
Poshdog in reply topamela4215

I certainly don't want to take it again. Hadn't realised it might be protocol, not very impressed. I have been prescribed for three days only and felt so rubbish I thought there must be an interaction with Pred. Seems not entirely that especially when one reads the leaflet and all symptoms listed under common side effects. Wonder why they keep prescribing it - could it be money?? Thanks for reply x

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply topamela4215

With that record someone wants their ear clipping! Obviously your UTIs are often being caused by unusual bacteria OR in a different place so they should be doing a urine culture FIRST. It also doesn't work well for infections in the upper urinary tract, i.e. the kidney, and that has to be suspected with you with that history.

I'd be making a fuss - and questioning their protocol. Because doing things that way is likely to create resistant bacteria.

pamela4215 profile image
pamela4215 in reply toPMRpro

Thank you for the advice. I shall certainly make a fuss if this happens again.

Kind regards

Jackoh profile image
Jackoh

When I was on this drug I had hallucinations so I now have it on my notes that I can’t take it as an antibiotic. I do however take d- mannose every night as a precautionary measure to evade any ITUs.💐

Poshdog profile image
Poshdog in reply toJackoh

Me too, re D mannose, but this bug has found its way round!

Jackoh profile image
Jackoh

oh what bad luck.I have on one occasion though got a UTI while I was on d- mannose. I just increased the doses that I took over that weekend ( I have powered form) and it did go. 💐

Poshdog profile image
Poshdog in reply toJackoh

How much did you increase?

Jackoh profile image
Jackoh

I just took it every few hours, drank a lot of lemon water and it did flush out. I’ve also got the urine tester sticks so was able to test. 💐

Poshdog profile image
Poshdog in reply toJackoh

Thank you, will follow your procedure x

Jackoh profile image
Jackoh in reply toPoshdog

Hope it’s successful for you. 💐

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply toPoshdog

stoputiforever.com/preventi...

gives quantities/timings

Poshdog profile image
Poshdog in reply toPMRpro

Thank you

Pixix profile image
Pixix

nitrofurantoin always makes me sick! I took anti sickness alongside it to help! Hope you’re better soon.

Poshdog profile image
Poshdog in reply toPixix

It's a horrible anti biotic! X

Toasty111 profile image
Toasty111

hi. I’m presently on 7mg prednisone and recently had a uti and was prescribed nitrofurantoin. One pill in and went by ambulance to the ER for breathing problems.It was a suspected allergic reaction tho I do have mild copd and had not had an issue before. One week later and I am back to normal. GCA and PMR (Canada)

Poshdog profile image
Poshdog in reply toToasty111

My goodness, my reaction was bad enough but at least it didn't put me in hospital. Glad you are recovering now.

DancingBonny profile image
DancingBonny

Hi Poshdog I feel like saying 'been there, done that, bought the T-shirt! I do feel for you. Like you I was put on Nitrofurantoin. On one of my four hospitalisations, one of the consultants recommended organic Cranberry Juice, so I looked on Amazon and they sell an organic cranberry juice called Loov which is very expensive but brilliant! I take it 3 times a day and have not had another UTI since last July! Apparently it coates the lining of the tubes in the bladder, and I was also put on HRT cream which I have to insert into the vagina every other day. The Loov is very tart but easier to drink if it is shaken up well. When I first came out of hospital the brain fogs were so bad I couldn't even type my password into my computer, but all that is now past and I am recovering well. So I would definitely recommend the Loov. Hope it you feel better very soon.

Poshdog profile image
Poshdog in reply toDancingBonny

Thank you so much for that info. I also have the HRT cream which has worked really well but this bug got the better of it! So glad to hear you are recovering well, and thanks again for reply x

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply toDancingBonny

The active substance in cranberry juice is D-mannose - so you can save money and not need the acquired taste for cranberry juice by just getting D-mannose.

Poshcards profile image
Poshcards

Horrible anti biotic, makes me very ill, and my eyes go very blurry too, give GP a ring and get it changed x

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