Annotation of HCSC Label for nitrofurantoin and G6PD
PharmGKB ID
Summary
The product monograph for nitrofurantoin states that individuals with a glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency may be at risk for hemolytic anemia when receiving the drug, and that it should be discontinued if the patient exhibits signs of hemolysis.
Prescribing
Excerpts from the nitrofurantoin product monograph:
Cases of hemolytic anemia of the primaquine sensitivity type have been induced by nitrofurantoin. The hemolysis appears to be linked to a glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in the red blood cells of the affected patients. This deficiency is found in 10% of blacks and a small percentage of ethnic groups of Mediterranean and Near-Eastern origin. Any sign of hemolysis is an indication to discontinue the drug. Hemolysis ceases when the drug is withdrawn.
Nitrofurantoin has been detected in trace amounts in breast milk. Caution should be exercised when nitrofurantoin is administered to a nursing woman, especially if the infant is known or suspected to have a glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency.
Annotation
Excerpts from the nitrofurantoin product monograph:
Cases of hemolytic anemia of the primaquine sensitivity type have been induced by nitrofurantoin. The hemolysis appears to be linked to a glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in the red blood cells of the affected patients. This deficiency is found in 10% of blacks and a small percentage of ethnic groups of Mediterranean and Near-Eastern origin. Any sign of hemolysis is an indication to discontinue the drug. Hemolysis ceases when the drug is withdrawn.
Nitrofurantoin has been detected in trace amounts in breast milk. Caution should be exercised when nitrofurantoin is administered to a nursing woman, especially if the infant is known or suspected to have a glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency.
For the complete product monograph text with sections containing pharmacogenetic information highlighted, see the nitrofurantoin product monograph.
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Evidence for Clinical Annotations
This annotation has been used as evidence for the following clinical annotations.