Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2025

The Dimethylnitrosamine Induced Liver Fibrosis Model in the Rat
Published on: June 17, 2016
Drug-induced Liver Injury Following Prolonged use of Nitrofurantoin
Manthan Dhingra1, Abhra Ghosh2
1Department of General Medicine, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, Punjab, India.
Abstract:
Nitrofurantoin is the antibiotic of choice for treatment and prophylaxis of recurrent episodes of lower urinary tract infections. Although adverse effects such as anorexia, vomiting, and pulmonary hypersensitivity are commonly reported with nitrofurantoin use, studies have demonstrated that rarely nitrofurantoin can also induce diverse forms of liver injury, spanning from mild hepatitis to severe and potentially fatal fulminant liver failure. These occur especially in elderly females with preexisting liver or renal impairment. Here, we present a case of a 62-year-old female in good health who exhibited symptoms of fatigue, abdominal pain, and dark-colored urine. Through investigation, she was diagnosed with a case of drug-induced liver injury associated with the prolonged use of nitrofurantoin.
Insights
Nitrofurantoin is a common antibiotic for urinary tract infections. Rarely, it can cause severe liver injury, even in healthy individuals, as seen in a case of drug-induced liver injury from prolonged use.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Nitrofurantoin is a primary antibiotic for treating and preventing recurrent lower urinary tract infections (UTIs).
- While generally safe, nitrofurantoin use is associated with known adverse effects, including pulmonary hypersensitivity.
- Rarely, nitrofurantoin can induce various forms of liver injury, ranging from mild hepatitis to fatal fulminant liver failure, particularly in elderly females with pre-existing liver or renal conditions.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Renal Failure: Dose Adjustments
Reduced renal clearance and elimination rate are common outcomes of renal impairment. These alterations lead to a prolonged elimination half-life and an altered apparent volume of distribution for drugs. As a result, dosage adjustments are typically necessary to maintain optimal drug levels in the body.
However, dosage adjustments...
Enhanced Elimination of Poison
Antidotes serve a crucial role in counteracting the effects of poison by inhibiting enzymes responsible for producing harmful drug metabolites. In some cases, these toxic metabolites can be neutralized by endogenous cosubstrates, which are maintained at specific concentrations to prevent interaction with cellular macromolecules and subsequent cell death.
Renal excretion is the...
Drug Elimination by Renal Route: Tubular Reabsorption
Nonlinear Pharmacokinetics: Causes of Nonlinearity
Nonlinear drug absorption can occur when the process is rate-limited by solubility, carrier-mediated transport systems, or saturation of the presystemic gut wall or hepatic metabolism. For instance, high doses of riboflavin...
Drug Elimination by Renal Route: Tubular Secretion
Drug Distribution: Tissue Binding
For...

