FIXED DRUG ERUPTIONS
Background Drug eruptions can mimic a wide range of dermatoses. The morphologies are myriad and include morbilliform (most common, see, urticarial, papulosquamous, pustular, and bullous. Medications can also cause pruritus and dysesthesia without an obvious eruption. A drug-induced reaction should be considered in any patient who is taking medications and who suddenly develops a symmetric cutaneous eruption. Medications that are known for causing cutaneous reactions include antimicrobial agents, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), cytokines, chemotherapeutic agents, anticonvulsants, and psychotropic agents. Prompt identification and withdrawal of the offending agent may help limit the toxic effects associated with the drug. The decision to discontinue a potentially vital drug often presents a dilemma. Epidemiology Adverse drug reactions occur in about 2 to 5% of patients in hospital and follow about 1% of prescriptions in the community. They are more common in women than men