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What are the Most Common Side Effects of Nitrofurantoin?

Autumn Rivers
Autumn Rivers

Nitrofurantoin is often used to treat urinary tract infections, and it is an antibiotic. Similar to most prescription drugs, it does have some side effects, with the most minor kinds being vomiting and diarrhea. Some patients feel generally ill when taking this drug, as flu symptoms and even sudden weight loss may occur during the treatment period. Patients may find that they have a hard time breathing normally when taking this drug, and might also experience chest pain and problems with the skin, including a red, itchy rash. Such serious symptoms should typically be reported to a doctor right away.

The typical side effects of nitrofurantoin are common with many medications. For example, stomach upset and resultant vomiting are some of the most commonly experienced side effects, and this is often paired with diarrhea. Considering that this medication is meant to treat urinary tract infections, it may not be surprising that it often affects the look of the urine, causing it to be brown. Some females taking this drug might also notice vaginal itching or discharge during treatment. Fortunately, none of these side effects are considered serious, though patients are advised to contact their doctor soon if the diarrhea turns bloody or is particularly watery.

Side effects of nitrofurantoin may include red, itchy spots on the skin.
Side effects of nitrofurantoin may include red, itchy spots on the skin.

Some other common negative side effects often include flu symptoms, such as chills, body aches, and a fever. Many people also notice a lack of appetite, which may be followed by sudden weight loss. For unknown reasons, this drug might also result in vision problems and severe pain behind the eyes. Serious headaches and dizziness are other side effects of nitrofurantoin that may affect patients, causing them to consider stopping the drug. Patients are encouraged to call their doctor if they notice any of these prominent side effects.

Stomach upset is a common side effect of nitrofurantoin.
Stomach upset is a common side effect of nitrofurantoin.

There are other serious side effects of nitrofurantoin that warrant an immediate call to the doctor, or possibly emergency medical attention. For example, patients who notice wheezing, chest pain, or shortness of breath are usually advised to see a doctor quickly. A hacking cough and a feeling of weakness can also be considered serious, as can tingling and numbness of the extremities. Additionally, this drug sometimes affects the skin, resulting in red spots, blisters, and itchiness, though other patients might notice yellowed skin and eyes due to jaundice, instead. Finally, patients who notice that they bruise more easily than usual should talk to their doctor, as this is considered one of the serious side effects of nitrofurantoin that should not be ignored.

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    • Side effects of nitrofurantoin may include red, itchy spots on the skin.
      By: defun
      Side effects of nitrofurantoin may include red, itchy spots on the skin.
    • Stomach upset is a common side effect of nitrofurantoin.
      By: Julija Sapic
      Stomach upset is a common side effect of nitrofurantoin.
    • Possible serious reactions to  nitrofurantoin include severe headaches and dizziness, in which case a physician could be consulted.
      By: memo
      Possible serious reactions to nitrofurantoin include severe headaches and dizziness, in which case a physician could be consulted.
    • The presence of a urinary tract infection may cause fever in infants.
      By: fred goldstein
      The presence of a urinary tract infection may cause fever in infants.
    • Virtually any antibiotic can produce unpleasant side effects among some patients who take it.
      By: Alliance
      Virtually any antibiotic can produce unpleasant side effects among some patients who take it.
    • Individuals who experience frequent urinary tract infections may have an increased risk of developing bladder cancer.
      By: joshya
      Individuals who experience frequent urinary tract infections may have an increased risk of developing bladder cancer.
    • Some patients who take nitrofurantoin experience flu-like symptoms.
      By: Syda Productions
      Some patients who take nitrofurantoin experience flu-like symptoms.
    • Vomiting is one of the most common side effects of nitrofurantoin.
      By: olly
      Vomiting is one of the most common side effects of nitrofurantoin.
    • Patients may experience chest pain and trouble breathing when taking nitrofurantoin.
      By: sumnersgraphicsinc
      Patients may experience chest pain and trouble breathing when taking nitrofurantoin.