Sub-Acute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus Following Nitrofurantoin: Causative or Coincidental?
October 2014
in “
Scottish medical journal
”
Studysummary This case study reports the first known instance of isolated sub-acute cutaneous lupus erythematosus potentially induced by long-term nitrofurantoin therapy, with effective treatment using topical steroids and hydroxychloroquine.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
A 70-year-old woman developed sub-acute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE) after taking nitrofurantoin for recurrent urinary tract infections, presenting with a rash and alopecia. Treatment with topical steroids and hydroxychloroquine was effective, and immunological tests and a skin biopsy confirmed the SCLE diagnosis. This case suggested a potential causal link between nitrofurantoin and SCLE, emphasizing the importance of monitoring patients on long-term nitrofurantoin for serious adverse effects like drug-induced lupus. After one year, the patient did not develop systemic lupus erythematosus.
