Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026
09:27
The Dimethylnitrosamine Induced Liver Fibrosis Model in the Rat
Published on: June 17, 2016
Seventh-nerve palsy and hepatitis associated with nitrofurantoin
Human Toxicology
|December 1, 1986
Summary
Nitrofurantoin can cause liver and nerve damage. This study details the first reported case of both reactions occurring together after repeated nitrofurantoin treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Hepatology
- Neurology
Background:
- Nitrofurantoin is a common antibiotic used for urinary tract infections.
- Known adverse effects include hepatic (liver) and neurological (nerve) reactions.
- These reactions can range from acute liver injury to peripheral polyneuropathy.
Observation:
- This report describes a patient experiencing both liver and nerve damage.
- The combined reaction occurred during repeated courses of nitrofurantoin therapy.
- This represents the first documented instance of this dual adverse event.
Findings:
- The patient presented with a combined neurological and hepatic reaction.
- This adverse event was associated with repeated nitrofurantoin administration.
- The findings highlight a potential for synergistic toxicity.
Implications:
- Clinicians should be vigilant for combined hepatic and neurological side effects of nitrofurantoin.
- This case underscores the importance of monitoring patients during repeated nitrofurantoin treatments.
- Further research may be needed to understand the mechanisms of this combined toxicity.
Related Concept Videos
01:202° Amines to N-Nitrosamines: Reaction with NaNO2
Secondary amines react with nitrous acid to form N-nitrosamines, as depicted in Figure 1. Nitrous acid, a weak and unstable acid, is formed in situ from an aqueous solution of sodium nitrite and strong acids, such as hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid, in cold conditions. In the presence of an acid, the nitrous acid gets protonated. The subsequent loss of water results in the formation of the electrophile known as nitrosonium ion.
01:26Physical Properties of Amines
Amines with low molecular weight are usually gaseous at room temperature, while those with high molecular weight are liquid or solids in nature. Usually, low molecular weight amines have a rotten fish-like smell. Diamines typically have a pungent smell. For instance, cadaverine and putrescine, depicted in Figure 1, are two molecules responsible for decaying tissue.
01:24Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction
Nephrotic Syndrome is a chronic kidney disorder defined by clinical findings such as severe proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, hyperlipidemia, and edema. These symptoms result from damage to the glomeruli, the kidney’s filtering units, increasing their permeability to proteins.Definition and Meaning:Proteinuria, defined as the loss of more than 3.5 grams of protein per day in adults, is a crucial feature of nephrotic syndrome. This condition is often accompanied by edema, the accumulation of fluid...
01:25Hepatitis
Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver most commonly caused by hepatotropic viruses (A–E), though non-infectious causes such as alcohol and drugs also exist.Hepatitis AHepatitis A virus (HAV) is a non-enveloped RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family. It is primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route, typically through ingestion of contaminated food or water. After ingestion, HAV enters the bloodstream through the oropharynx or intestinal epithelium and reaches the liver. The...
01:28Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction
Viral hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver caused by infection with hepatotropic viruses, most commonly hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Despite variations in structure and transmission, all viruses mentioned infect hepatocytes and provoke immune responses that can hinder liver function. Additionally, some non-hepatotropic viruses can also lead to hepatic inflammation.Hepatitis A VirusHepatitis A virus (HAV) is transmitted through the fecal–oral route, typically by ingestion of food...
01:29Hepatic Encephalopathy
DefinitionHepatic encephalopathy is a reversible neurologic syndrome that results from advanced liver dysfunction or portosystemic shunting. It leads to disturbances in cognition, behavior, and motor function due to the brain’s exposure to gut-derived toxins that the liver fails to detoxify.EtiologyThis condition develops either in the setting of acute fulminant hepatitis or progressively during chronic liver disease, such as cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Portosystemic shunting—including...