Acute hepatitis and pneumonitis associated with nitrofurantoin
Kursbaum, A.; Rottenstreich, E.
Harefuah 119(12): 427-428
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0017-7768 PMID: 2074065 Document Number: 360058
Nitrofurantoin is widely used in the prophylaxis and treatment of urinary tract infections. Most untoward side-effects are mild and due to gastrointestinal intolerance. More severe side-effects consist of acute and chronic pulmonary reactions, liver damage, blood dyscrasias and peripheral neuropathy. Nitrofurantoin is a rare cause of hepatic injury, with a spectrum of toxic reactions ranging from acute, self-limited, hepatocellular or cholestatic injury to chronic active hepatitis. We present a case of acute hepatic injury and pneumonitis related to nitrofurantoin. When this drug is given periodic clinical and laboratory monitoring is important.