Concomitant pulmonary and hepatic toxicity secondary to nitrofurantoin: a case report

BACKGROUND Concomitant pulmonary and hepatic toxicity secondary to nitrofurantoin is a rare but serious complication of the use of Nitrofurantoin. CASE PRESENTATION A 72 year old woman taking Nitrofurantoin for recurrent urinary sepsis presenting with breathlessness abdominal discomfort and abnormal liver function tests is described. Drug toxicity secondary to Nitrofurantoin was diagnosed. Cessation of the drug and a course of steroids markedly improved her condition. DISCUSSION We review the drug reactions associated with Nitrofurantoin and suggest an alternative treatment strategy for recurrent urinary sepsis. CONCLUSION Adverse drug reactions are an important cause of concomitant lung and liver toxicity and the mainstay of treatment is drug withdrawal.