An Unusual Case of Drug-Induced Liver Injury Secondary to Nitrofurantoin Use

Abstract

Nitrofurantoin is a commonly prescribed antibiotic for uncomplicated urinary tract infections. Despite a number of side effects, it is increasingly prescribed due to its low cost, high efficacy, and minimal antimicrobial resistance. One of the rare, however significant side effects of nitrofurantoin is idiosyncratic drug-induced liver toxicity. It commonly presents with abdominal pain and elevated liver enzymes. Interestingly, it can cause either an acute or a chronic hepatitis-like syndrome that can be severe and lead to liver failure or cirrhosis. We present a case of a healthy 24-year-old female who presented with epigastric abdominal pain, which was found to be drug-induced liver injury (DILI) secondary to her recent nitrofurantoin use.