Nitrofurantoin
 

I have taken alot of this antibiotic over the last 10 years. Usually at very low dosage, for prevention of bladder infections after sex. I have read that it can cause neuropathy. Does anyone here know anything about it or had neuropathy after taking it?

This paper suggests the PN is reversible.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17666646

Most of the papers on this subject on PubMed do not have abstracts.

But I get the impression that this drug was not a major causer of PN...but did so as an adverse event.

When Cipro came out, nitrofurantoin rather became less prescribed. I think the fluoroquinolones, are more linked to PN commonly now. They from the start showed CNS toxicities for example.

Thanks Mrs. D

Been doing some research and it looks like this drug is still showing to cause PN in some people...and can even aggrivate PN in those who already have it. I took it last week again and it made my symptoms worse. I'm not going to use it anymore. From now on going to ask for something else.

Perhaps you should try, cranberry extract. The juice works but it is just loaded with sugar...which is bad for PN too.

The extract in capsules or tablets works the same way. It contains substances that prevent bacteria from sticking to bladder walls, and festering there. So that they get flushed out and infections are reduced.

Also do not use bubble baths or Calgon if you take tub baths...epsom salts never bothered me, but the target ones to avoid are bubble baths...these contain soaps which dissolve the natural layers on the female mucus membranes that protect from infection. (these compounds are called surfactants).

I have a bladder disease called Interstitial Cystitis, and unfortunately, Cranberry makes my bladder pain so much worse. Its like salt on a wound. But I know Cranberry works well for many with normal bladders. Oh, I just love being so abnormal! :(

Instead of Abnormal........
 

Maybe we should start calling ourselves "Special."

Yes it does.
 

This post prompted me to join Neurotalk today. I know it's old but I'd like to help others if possible. I'm in my thirties, and of previously OK health.

I took 1 50mg tablet of Nitrofurantoin for a UTI 5 weeks ago and awoke 4 hours later unable to feel my legs. My body and extremities gradually 'warmed up' over the next 2 days, alongside clumsiness, bad dizziness. But I felt a bit numb all over inside and out, with little sense of taste and smell.

Blood tests revealed I'm anaemic and so shouldn't have had it.
The following week I had the rushing feeling in arms, feet as well as hot tingling sensations in my arms.

5 weeks later I'm awaiting an appt with neurologist at hospital - the dizziness and clumsiness is much better...but I am still slightly numb all over inside and out, taste and smell lessened. I can't sense temperature very well and a normal touch feels like 'hot aches' to me. All the pleasure has gone out of my senses.

Ironically, my original UTI returned. I didn't want any more antibiotics, so I researched extensively on the net and found D-Mannose powder. It cured my UTI and has rave reviews on Amazon. There are other reviewers on there with nerve damage from repeated antibiotics due to recurrent infections. There are a number of different manufacturers, I use Sweet Cures (not affiliated). I am so relieved to have found a non-antibiotic that can fix UTIs.

I have felt so traumatised by my symptoms and my Dr's 'wait and see' approach and the internet doom and gloom. It's nice to read that things do sometimes improve, and thank you all so much for your positivity and expertise.

I love D Mannose and cranberry pills for prevention. I take them daily.

Drink ACV and water in a cup several times a day that will kill all bacteria and also fungus. ACV is to me like windex was in My Big Fat Greek Wedding, lol. It's Gods miracle all purpose drink. It really works.

I had to look up ACV- apple cider vinegar? Sounds worth a try.
Also, Mrs. D, aren't all bath soaps surfactants? Should we be washing our delicate bits with something other than bath soap? I have always been allergic to deodorant soaps and use Dove, but as I get older even that seems drying.

hi Stacy,

what is ACV? I get frequent UTI, and do not like to take all this antibiotic, I have taken both Cipro and Nitrofurantin in the past. Right now I have a presription for and a bottle of Nitrofurantoiun, but I really is hesitant of starting it. I do know cranberry juice is good for prevention. This is an old wifes, remedy: Boil parsely, and drink the hot water.
Tell me more re ACV
thanks for your time

hi Stacy
What is ACV? I get frequent UTI, and I have been on both Cipro and Nitrofurantoin. Right now I have been prescibed Nitrofurantuin, and have the pills, but I do not want to start it. I think it is also due to that I am on Prednisone and a whole slu of oth pills. I know the cranberry juice is good for prevention. er
Here is an old wife's tale: Boil fresh parcely a whole bunch, and drink the steaming hot green tea from it. It is supposed to take the UTI away.
Is ACV something like that?

Yes, apple cider vinegar.

I use the 4 ounces of water, 2 Tablespoons of ACV and 1/4 teaspoon of sodium bicabonate (baking soda) formula but some people dont use the baking soda. Some people add honey. I don't.

I take it for a million reasons, use to take it for heartburn/gerd. But it is good for soooooo many things, but I ONLY use Braggs organic ACV with the mother in it, I dont use any other namebrand.

Here is the best place to read real life testimonies and info.:

http://earthclinic.com/

Just go spend days reading, you can type it in or look under remedies or look under supplements. You can find it many places there. I love that place for real life testimony.

I like the Bragg Apple Cider vinegar daily. DMannose and cranberry supplements are most important for me.



http://articles.mercola.com/sites/ar...ct-health.aspx

Funny, I use it almost daily in the kitchen and as part of salad dressing etc. Love the taste, didn't know about the other benefits. :)

Is the medication you speak of also called Macrobid? I'm in Canada maybe that's our brand..
I have severe idiopathic pn and I took this medication over ten times, as well as cipro a few times .
D mannose is so expensive and never worked for me. It is a sugar derivative I believe.
I'm sorry that you have IC. What a terrible thing that is.

Cranberry helps to prevent, but not cure. ACV seems to be great for everything !
Probiotics can help as well , and urinating immediately after intercourse.
What I do is keep unscented baby wipes near the loo and use them after urinating, and intermittently throughout the day to keep bacteria in check, using one before intercourse is helpful for cleaning the area , thus preventing any from entering the urethra. One last helpful trick is to load up on water before intercourse to ensure a good stream afterwards,

Hope that helps. I haven't had to take antibiotics for a UTI now for 4 years, and I used to take them every couple months. This could be the cause of my PN :(

We are not supposed to be washing internally with any soaps, just water. But scented products in the bath can be irritating, and mess with the pH down there.

Re: ACV- I've heard that adding some to the bath can treat yeast infections as well. Good for acne, weight loss, digestion, the list goes on!