[Acute hepatitis and pneumonitis associated with nitrofurantoin]

Abstract

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.