Nitrofurantoin-induced lung- and hepatotoxicity

Abstract

We present the case of a patient referred to the gastroenterology service for investigation of abnormal liver function tests. She had been taking nitrofurantoin for 16 months as prophylaxis against urinary tract infections. CT scan showed evidence of lung pneumonitis and low attenuation in the liver parenchyma. Nitrofurantoin-in-duced pneumonitis and hepatotoxicity was diagnosed. The patient responded both clinically and biochemically to withdrawal of nitrofurantoin. This combination of adverse reaction to nitrofurantoin is rare.

Keywords

• Nitrofurantoin
• liver toxicity
• lung toxicity
• fibrosis and hepatitis