Nitrofurantoin neuropathy: a forgotten adverse effect.

Author(s): Kammire LD, Donofrio PD

Affiliation(s): Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157-1066, USA. lkammire@wfubmc.edu

Publication date & source: 2007-08, Obstet Gynecol., 110(2 Pt 2):510-2.

Publication type: Case Reports

BACKGROUND: Nitrofurantoin is a widely prescribed antibiotic used to treat uncomplicated lower urinary tract infections. Unknown in the obstetric and gynecologic literature is the complication of peripheral neuropathy as an adverse effect. CASE: We describe a patient who developed a severe sensory neuropathy after taking nitrofurantoin intermittently and then continuously over a 7-year period. She recovered almost completely after its discontinuation. CONCLUSION: Peripheral neuropathy is a rare and potentially reversible adverse effect, unreported in the obstetric and gynecologic literature, and commonly unrecognized by physicians who prescribe it.