Steven Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis from Nitrofurantoin

This case report details a severe and rare adverse reaction to nitrofurantoin, an antibiotic commonly prescribed for urinary tract infections.A 32-year-old female patient, initially treated for a UTI, developed a painful, widespread rash, respiratory distress, and deranged blood parameters.Despite a prescription for a 5-day course, she continued taking nitrofurantoin for nearly 30 days.Her condition deteriorated rapidly, with the development of erythematous skin lesions, oral and ocular mucosal involvement, and elevated liver enzymes.A skin biopsy confirmed a diagnosis of Steven Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) overlap, potentially triggered by nitrofurantoin.This case highlights the severe adverse drug reaction associated with nitrofurantoin, underlining the importance of early recognition, medication discontinuation, and multidisciplinary care for improved outcomes.It also emphasizes the necessity of patient education on proper medication use and adherence to prescription guidelines.The report ultimately stresses the importance of raising awareness among healthcare professionals and patients to enhance healthcare outcomes and promote responsible antibiotic use.