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Is An Upset Stomach A Side Effect Of Nitrofurantoin?
Hi There: I have colitis and stomach problems and have had a great deal of trouble with that for many years from taking anti-biotics for urinary tract infections. Last Sunday, I came down with a bladder and kidney infection and they gave me sulfa as I was afraid of other Meds. Now they do not like the bug although I have improved greatly. My symptoms are almost gone however the sulfa irritates my stomach and intestines. They want to give me Nitrofurantoin but my research says it can upset the stomach and give one a lot of gas. I feel one more reaction from anti biotic will ruin me for good. Opinion???
Tue, 26 Feb 2019
Hi,
Gastrointestinal side effects including stomach pain might happen with nitrofurantoin and taking it after food might help minimize these.
On the other hand if you are not sure you need to have another antibiotic or not (other then the sulfa drug you are already using), you can ask the doctor to do a urine culture when you are towards the end of the therapy with the sulfa drug.
If the culture is negative then it means the sulfa drug was effective. If the culture comes out positive then it will also tell the antibiotics that are effective in your case.
Make sure you do drink plenty of water during this time as it helps flushing the urinary system and clearing the infection.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj,
General & Family Physician
Gastrointestinal side effects including stomach pain might happen with nitrofurantoin and taking it after food might help minimize these.
On the other hand if you are not sure you need to have another antibiotic or not (other then the sulfa drug you are already using), you can ask the doctor to do a urine culture when you are towards the end of the therapy with the sulfa drug.
If the culture is negative then it means the sulfa drug was effective. If the culture comes out positive then it will also tell the antibiotics that are effective in your case.
Make sure you do drink plenty of water during this time as it helps flushing the urinary system and clearing the infection.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj,
General & Family Physician
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