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Nitrofurantoin pulmonary toxicity — GPhC CRA MCQ

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HardInfectionsNitrofurantoin pulmonary toxicityGPhC CRA

A patient has taken nightly nitrofurantoin prophylaxis for recurrent UTI for six months. They report new cough and breathlessness. What monitoring is required?

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Correct answer: A — Assess urgently for pulmonary toxicity and review ongoing nitrofurantoin

Long-term nitrofurantoin can cause pulmonary and hepatic adverse reactions. New cough and breathlessness require urgent clinical review and consideration of stopping therapy. Patients on long-term therapy should be counselled to report respiratory and hepatic symptoms. INR is not the key monitoring test unless anticoagulation is present.

Reference: MHRA Drug Safety Update; BNF