Pulmonary toxicity of nitrofurantoin.

Nitrofurantoin is frequently used by the physiatrist for treatment of urinary tract infections or for urinary antimicrobial prophylaxis. There is a substantial risk of acute and chronic pulmonary side effects with this medication. The acute pulmonary toxicity presents with fever, leukocytosis, dyspnea, and nonproductive cough. Chronic nitrofurantoin use can lead to interstitial pulmonary fibrosis. A case is reported of a 47-year-old spinal cord injured woman with an acute pulmonary reaction to nitrofurantoin. The literature pertaining to pulmonary toxicity of nitrofurantoin is reviewed.