[Nitrofurantoin-induced lung disease: about two cases]

Author(s): Mrozek N, Delevaux I, Legendre M, Andre M, Trouillier S, Voinchet H, Aumaitre O

Affiliation(s): Service de medecine interne, CHU Gabriel-Montpied, 58, rue Montalembert, B.P. 69, 63003 Clermont-Ferrand cedex 01, France.

Publication date & source: 2008-02, Rev Med Interne., 29(2):149-51. Epub 2007 Jul 10.

Publication type: Case Reports; English Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Nitrofurantoin is commonly used in the treatment of urinary tract infection and may cause a potential severe complication: interstitial lung diseases. CASE REPORT: A 78-year-old and an 87-year-old woman treated with nitrofurantoin since respectively 10 months and 6 years developed cough and dyspnea. Antibiotics were ineffective and interstitial lung disease was found. Nitrofurantoin's stopping allowed a clinical and radiological improvement. CONCLUSION: A good medical supervision is important when nitrofurantoin is prescribed for a long time. The treatment has to be stopped when respiratory symptoms appear to allow an improvement of the symptoms.