Second Round of Nitrofurantoin with No Improvement
Hello everyone, I previously dealt with cystitis in April, and at that time, Nitrofurantoin proved to be very effective for my condition. Now, I find myself experiencing similar symptoms again and promptly scheduled a visit to my doctor. Following our appointment, I was given a prescription for Nitrofurantoin at 100mg, four times a day, just like before. Unfortunately, I am now on the third day of treatment, and I have yet to see any improvement. On Friday morning, I submitted a urine culture and am patiently awaiting the results. I understand that it’s possible the Nitrofurantoin may not be effective this time due to a different strain of bacteria contributing to the infection. I am contemplating whether I should reach out to my doctor today, even before getting the culture results, to discuss the possibility of changing my antibiotics, or if it would be wise to hold off for the moment. Since initiating Nitrofurantoin, I continue to experience the following symptoms: - Cramping and a pinching sensation in the lower right area of my bladder during urination. - A burning sensation following urination. - An increased frequency of urination, which is significantly disrupting my sleep and daily routine. - An ongoing feeling of urgency to urinate, despite having just done so. I would greatly appreciate any advice or insights on this situation, thank you!
Answers (1)
8/9/2025, 9:30:52 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about your persistent symptoms after starting Nitrofurantoin. Given that you are not experiencing any improvement three days into treatment, it's wise to consider taking action.
Main Points
- Nitrofurantoin may not be effective if a different strain of bacteria is causing your infection.
- It's important to communicate with your doctor about your lack of improvement and ongoing symptoms.
Explanation
Nitrofurantoin is typically effective for certain bacterial infections of the bladder, but if you’re experiencing worsening or unchanged symptoms after three days, there could be reasons for this. It's possible the bacteria causing your current urinary tract infection (UTI) are resistant to Nitrofurantoin or that the infection is caused by a different type of bacteria altogether.
Next Steps
-
Reach Out to Your Doctor: Contact your healthcare provider today to share your concerns about the lack of improvement. Provide details about your symptoms and the duration of treatment.
-
Discuss Alternative Antibiotics: Ask if it might be necessary to consider an alternative antibiotic based on your symptoms, especially since you have already submitted a urine culture.
-
Symptom Management: While waiting for a response, you can help alleviate some symptoms by:
- Staying Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help flush out the bacteria.
- Avoiding Irritants: Stay away from caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods, which may irritate your bladder further.
- Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help manage discomfort, but be sure to follow dosing instructions.
-
Monitoring Symptoms: Keep a record of any changes in your symptoms to provide more information to your doctor during your conversation.
If your symptoms worsen, or if you develop new symptoms like fever or chills, reach out for medical attention sooner rather than later. You deserve relief, and open communication with your physician will get you closer to finding a solution. Let me know if you need further assistance!
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