Pulmonary adverse reaction caused by furazolidone: Two case reports and a literature review

Abstract

Rationale: As one of the drugs used to treat Helicobacter pylori, furazolidone has been reported to cause gastrointestinal reactions, allergies, dizziness, and more. However, its related drug-induced lung injury has been rarely reported. Furthermore, there have been no reports of the timing for initiating hormone therapy when a pulmonary adverse reaction occurs. Patient concerns: We report 2 cases, both of them showed interlobular septal thickening and nodules on the chest computed tomography. One had more discomfort symptoms and had a higher eosinophil count than the normal range, while the other only had fever symptoms and had an eosinophil count within the normal range. Diagnoses: Pulmonary adverse reaction caused by furazolidone was diagnosed. Interventions: Furazolidone was discontinued, and the person with increased eosinophils received hormone therapy, while the other person did not. Outcomes: After discontinuation of medication and treatment, the symptoms of the 2 patients gradually improved. Lessons: This report suggests that furazolidone may cause pulmonary adverse reactions to raise clinical awareness, and for the first time indicates that hormone therapy is needed for patients whose eosinophils continue to increase after discontinuation.