Nitrofurantoin Induced Reversible Interstitial Lung Disease

Published on: October 2023 

Indian Journal of Pharmacy Practice,2023; 16(4):366-368    

Original Article  | doi :10.5530/ijopp.16.4.63  

Shabana Ashraf^1,*, Sajid Salahudheen²

¹Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Aster Mims Hospital, Kannur, Kerala, INDIA

²Department of Critical Care Medicine, Aster Mims Hospital, Kannur, Kerala, INDIA

Abstract:

Drug-induced interstitial lung disease is an increasingly common cause of morbidity and mortality. Nitrofurantoin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used for acute uncomplicated or simple cystitis as well as for prophylaxis of recurrent infection. We recently encountered a case of Nitrofurantoin-induced interstitial lung disease in an elderly patient who was on Nitrofurantoin for a year and a half for recurrent urinary tract infections. On further evaluation, she was diagnosed with drug-induced interstitial lung disease, which was confirmed by radiographic evidence. Nitrofurantoin was discontinued and managed with low-dose systemic glucocorticoids. This case report highlights the need for close vigilance of pulmonary toxicities in patients taking long-term Nitrofurantoin therapy.

Keywords: Pulmonary toxicity, Corticosteroids, Nitrofurantoin, Interstitial Lung disease, Urinary tract infection.