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[K45]

Has anyone taken nitrofurantoin whilst on HRT? I have never taken this antibiotic before and have felt absolutely awful on it. Horrific stomach pain, numb hand, anxiety and v low. Brain fog been off the scale..is it likely the infection or the antibiotics or both? Thanks x

[chopsuey]

Not taken it whilst on HRT but I tried it three times over a period of years and always got the same awful side effects - numbness and pins and needles in my arms and legs, stomach cramps and just generally felt really ill on it. It's on my medical records now not to prescribe this for me again.

If you look at the list of side effects, they are pretty extensive for this drug ( as they are for many drugs of course). Am guessing you are taking it for a UTI? 

I would suggest you discuss it with your GP or practice nurse if you are going to have to continue with the course for a further period  - there may be an alternative - but I would advise against just stopping them without medical advice.

[K45]

Thanks for responding and sorry to hear you've had awful side effects too! I think I'll advise my GP that it's not something I can tolerate again. The UTI was bad but the drug was actually worse!  I think it has stopped my hrt working properly as felt completely off at work. The pharmacy didn't provide any info so I've been googling which never ends with any reassurance!

[Turkish delight]

Hia,

I have taken these numerous times and I am on hrt.
You can check if there is any contraindications on drugs.com interaction checker.
https://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.html


It does cause the worrying symptoms you listed on me also.
Once I stop taking it and the infection is gone the side effects of it fade away also.

TD

[chopsuey]

Thanks for responding and sorry to hear you've had awful side effects too! I think I'll advise my GP that it's not something I can tolerate again. The UTI was bad but the drug was actually worse!  I think it has stopped my hrt working properly as felt completely off at work. The pharmacy didn't provide any info so I've been googling which never ends with any reassurance!

I think it is prescribed more now due to widespread bacterial resistance to Trimethoprim, which is a shame, as it just targeted the UTi bacteria and seems to be well tolerated. I had a colleague who took Nitro and also felt really unwell on it and would never take it again. We need a few more options that don't involve wiping out all the good bacteria as well!

[Taz2]

I've taken it many times as I'm allergic to some of the others. I am on HRT. It does have some weird side effects and works by going straight to the bladder. This does mean though that it's no good if your UTI has already spread to the upper part of the urinary system which happened to me once.

Taz x

[Garnet161]

I have used nitrofurantoin many times in the past - mostly as a UTI prevention.  Strangely, I have had no side effects with this antibiotic over the years, but I do not use it often anymore.  I have had no issues using it in conjunction with HRT but I only use Ovestin and a topical estrogen/progesterone skin cream.

[K45]

Thanks for all the replies- it's definitely helpful to know that I'm not alone in having a reaction to this drug. It's a shame trimethoprim is not an option anymore as had no side effects.