Nitrofurantoin lung
The long-term use of nitrofurantoin, which may be used for the prophylaxis of recurrent urinary tract infections, has been associated with the potentially fatal1 ‘nitrofurantoin lung’. Please advise patients to report any respiratory symptoms (e.g. worsening cough or breathlessness). Symptoms may resolve if they are recognized early enough2 and nitrofurantoin is stopped.
1. http://www.medsafe.govt.nz/profs/PUarticles/nitrofurant.htm(external link)
2. http://www.bmj.com/content/346/bmj.f3897(external link)
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