Nitrofurantoin Pulmonary Toxicity: A Brief Review

Authors: Vahid, Bobbak; Wildemore, Bernadette M.M.

Source: Current Respiratory Medicine Reviews, Volume 2, Number 4, November 2006 , pp. 439-442(4)

Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers

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Abstract:

Nitrofurantoin is an antimicrobial agent that is commonly used for the treatment of recurrent urinary tract infection. Nitrofurantoin pulmonary toxicity can present as acute, subacute, or chronic respiratory disease. Common manifestations are dry cough, chest pain, dyspnea, and hypoxemia. Skin rash, arthralgia, and abnormal transaminases are occasionally present. Chest imaging shows patchy infiltrates and fibrosis. Treatment includes discontinuing the medication. Although the role of corticosteroids has not been well described, patients with respiratory symptoms or hypoxemia may benefit from a trial of corticosteroid therapy.

Keywords: Nitrofurantoin; drug-induced lung toxicity; organizing pneumonia; pneumonitis

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/157339806778777276

Affiliations: 1: Thomas Jefferson University, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, 834 Walnut Street,Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.

Publication date: 2006-11-01

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Current Respiratory Medicine Reviews publishes frontier reviews on all the latest advances on respiratory diseases and its related areas e.g. pharmacology, pathogenesis, clinical care, and therapy. The journal's aim is to publish the highest quality review articles dedicated to clinical research in the field. The journal is essential reading for all researchers and clinicians in respiratory medicine.