Furazolidone-associated drug-induced interstitial lung disease: A case report and literature review

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Pharmacology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Furazolidone is a nitrofuran antibiotic frequently prescribed for Helicobacter pylori infections.
• Gastrointestinal adverse effects are common, but drug-induced interstitial lung disease (DIILD) is a rare complication.
• This report details a unique case of DIILD associated with furazolidone therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report an extremely rare case of drug-induced interstitial lung disease caused by furazolidone.
• To emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and intervention for furazolidone-induced lung injury.

Main Methods:

• A case study of a 54-year-old woman treated with furazolidone-containing quadruple therapy for H. pylori infection.
• Clinical presentation, chest CT findings, and diagnostic workup are described.
• The Naranjo scale was used to assess the probability of an adverse drug reaction.

Main Results:

• The patient developed fever, cough, and dyspnea on day 4 of treatment.
• Chest CT showed diffuse bilateral interlobular septal thickening and pleural effusions.
• A diagnosis of probable furazolidone-induced interstitial lung disease was made (Naranjo score = 6).

Conclusions:

• Furazolidone can be an etiological factor in drug-induced interstitial lung disease.
• Prompt discontinuation of the offending drug and initiation of glucocorticoid therapy can lead to favorable outcomes.
• Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for rare adverse pulmonary events associated with furazolidone.