Nitrofurantoin related lung changes

Last revised by Henry Knipe on 2 Sep 2022

Nitrofurantoin related lung disease refers to a spectrum of lung changes that can be precipitated by nitrofurantoin use.

Nitrofurantoin-induced lung injury is uncommon where a considerable number of reported publications likely reflect the widespread use of the drug rather than the incidence of the complication 7.

Nitrofurantoin can induce

  • acute hypersensitivity reaction (occurring around 1-2 weeks after a short course)
  • chronic pulmonary reaction (occurring after months to years of exposure) 4

Severe lung changes have been described inclusive of

Several patterns may be observed 5

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