Numbness in hand caused by Nitrofuran?

[Johannie]

Hello,

On 04/17 I was prescribed Nitrofuran (100mg twice a day for 7 days) for a UTI. I finished the pills and everything went well, but the week after the end of the treatment, on 05/02, I experienced a tingling/numbness sensation in all my fingers except my thumb on my right hand only. It started at the tip of the fingers and slowly went down to about half of my palm and lasted maybe 7 or 8 hours before disappearing.

My question is: is it possible that this is a sign of peripheral neuropathy caused by the Nitrofuran, or does it only happen DURING the treatment? Since I never had that sort of feeling in my hand, and I never took Nitrofuran before, I'm kind of worried that it caused some damages. Should I be worried?

Thank you so much!

Johannie

[Beefany_]

Hi Paul

I know this was a long time ago, but I feel like I'm experiencing the neurological side effects of nitrofurantoin. It's not just a tingling in my hands, my muscles spasm and tremor in the night time. I am jolted awake sometimes. There's a fuzziness in my head that comes and goes and makes me feel like I'm going to convulse. I'm terrified that this is irreversible. I haven't seen a neurologist about this yet, but considering I stopped taking it four weeks ago and I'm still experiencing these symptoms, I'm very concerned.

Thanks
Beth

[Johannie]

Thank you so much for your advice.

I did go to my doctor today, but she took it very lightly and said the chances of it being related to the medication was too small to even consider it... I'm not sure if I should trust her or see another doctor that would take it a little more seriously.

At least it didn't happen again, so I'm hoping that if it was indeed related to the Nitrofuran, the damages weren't too severe or irreversible.

Thanks again!

[PaulMD]

Hi there.

I understand your concern.  Nitrofurantoin can indeed result to neuropathies as one of its side effects.  This can happen anytime during or post treatment.  It varies in severity and very uncommonly may become irreversible.  I suggest that you have this looked at by your doctor or a neurologist to assess for other causes.  Tests may be in order such as nerve conduction velocity or electromyography to pinpoint the cause.  Also report to your doctor any changes in symptoms or progression.

Regards and God bless.