What is contraindicated when prescribing Nitrofurantoin?

Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic typically used to treat urinary tract infections. When considering its contraindications, G6PD (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) enzyme deficiency is significant. In individuals with this deficiency, the use of certain medications, including Nitrofurantoin, can lead to hemolytic anemia. This condition occurs due to the lack of adequate protection against oxidative stress caused by drugs that can generate reactive oxygen species. Nitrofurantoin is among the drugs that have been associated with this risk. Therefore, its use is avoided in patients with G6PD deficiency to prevent serious complications.

Other conditions listed, such as asthma, peptic ulcer disease, and hypertension, do not present the same direct contraindication with Nitrofurantoin. While caution may be exercised in patients with asthma regarding drug reactions, there is no established contraindication specifically linking Nitrofurantoin to asthma. Similarly, there is no prominent evidence suggesting that Nitrofurantoin exacerbates peptic ulcer disease or hypertension. Thus, the most pertinent contraindication among the choices provided relates to G6PD enzyme deficiency, highlighting the need for careful patient history evaluation before prescribing medications.