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possible wierd reaction to antibiotic

(14 Posts)
rojon Wed 11-Nov-15 15:29:06

I started taking nitrofurantoin on Monday for a urine infection. On Tuesday I was racked with joint pain and could not get warm. This morning I was feeling better although a bit sweaty. I have had these symptoms once before but haven't noted them down in my journal so don't know if they occurred when taking the same antibiotic previously. Has anyone else had the same symptoms. The symptoms didn't lead on to any sort of upper respiratory infections

Teetime Wed 11-Nov-15 15:48:05

It sounds like the urine infection itself rather than the antibiotics- classic symptoms. Hope you are feeling better now.

M0nica Wed 11-Nov-15 17:42:39

Google the drug name and symptom and see what comes up. I avoid medication of all sorts because I over react to almost anything - see recent post on another thread on my reaction to a medical mouth wash.

Auntieflo Thu 12-Nov-15 19:49:38

Hi Rojon. How odd that you should post this now. I finished a course of Nitrofurantoin on Sunday, and late on Sunday afternoon, I got the shivers and just couldn't stop. Just felt thoroughly cold from the inside. I had had a course of the same antibiotic in July, but got no side effects as far as I know. Further to this though, yesterday I had developed a red rash down the front of both my legs, from knee to ankle. I admit I panicked because I did the glass test and the spots didn't go away. A visit to the Practice nurse and she did several tests and I have had blood taken and sent for analysis. See lovely photo taken yesterday.

Floradora9 Fri 13-Nov-15 14:57:42

It is not the infection it is the drug. I had this drug a few times with no or little ill effects but the last time I had a terrrible reaction . I was aching, head trobbing but the shakes were the worst. Having had a liftime of urinary infections I knew it was the pills. I have never felt so ill in my life. I was in bed shaking so much I could hardly hold a cup .

annodomini Fri 13-Nov-15 15:10:55

I've known for more than 40 years that I reacted badly to nitrofurantoin. I always ask for an alternative antibiotic if I'm unfortunate enough to have a UTI.

Charleygirl Fri 13-Nov-15 15:26:06

UTI must be catching because I have just started Nitrofurantoin today.

Nelliemoser Fri 13-Nov-15 23:55:01

That sounds dreadful. A UTI is bad enough without a bad reaction to an antibiotic.

Bellanonna Sat 14-Nov-15 00:10:21

DH takes a half tablet every day, but has still managed to get a uti, started yesterday so now on the full dose. He has many of the symptoms outlined above so I will explore this with his consultant. Unfortunately he has frequent utis and the small daily dose was felt desirable. I feel so sorry for him and for anyone with these infections. He has a stoma and only one kidney so life's a bit difficult at times. He is resistant to most of the alternative antibiotics but of the 3 or so that work for him maybe he can try one of those. Auntieflo that looks painful,!

Auntieflo Sat 14-Nov-15 09:03:04

Morning Bellanona. No, it isn't painful or itchy, just unsightly. My legs are not my strong point at the beat of times.blush It seems as though Nitrofurantoin is the antibiotic of choice for Dr's at the moment. Previously I have not had a reaction to any medication, but when I'm warm, my legs feel as though they have been roughed up with the green side of those little green and yellow wash up sponges smile. best wishes to Mr B

Bellanonna Sat 14-Nov-15 09:22:58

Auntie Flo. Thank you. And hope the scourer look disappears soon.

Claudiaclaws Sat 14-Nov-15 09:44:14

Morning All, I have just started with a UTI. I had Nitrofurantoin in July for an
infection I didn't have any problems then. No chance of anything until Monday when the surgery opens, and I am feeling awful this morning.
Been to the chemist for Cymalon sachets which might help a little.
Sympathy to everyone everywhere with UTIs.

rojon Sat 14-Nov-15 19:47:06

I am convinced now that it was the antibiotic so if I get any more UTI's I will request a different one. It has been more than forty years since I had a UTI and bang all of a sudden I have had four in the last few months. Although the symptoms have passed I still feel wambly which I am putting down to the AB.

vampirequeen Sun 15-Nov-15 08:57:03

If you think you are reacting to an antibiotic you must stop taking it immediately. Do not wait until tomorrow. Phone your GP number and you will be diverted to his locum service. You must see someone today.

I had a reaction to Metronidazole which, because I didn't realise how serious it was, led to my tongue swelling up. My GP told me that the slightest reaction or suspicion of a reaction means you should stop taking the drug until you've been checked over.