whether a rash could be caused by a drug and what to do about it

October 2007

Prescribers often get questions about whether a rash could be caused by a drug and what to do about it.

An allergic "drug rash" is sudden, itchy, and looks like measles. It usually starts at the trunk and spreads to the limbs.

It's most common with beta-lactams, sulfonamides, and anticonvulsants...but can occur with any drug.

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Table of Contents

whether it's legal to prescribe against a contraindication or a black box warning
Antithrombotics whether patients should undergo genetic testing to determine their warfarin dose
Cardiology blood pressure should be controlled before starting daily aspirin
Asthma New NIH guidelines will improve asthma treatment
Infectious Diseases deaths due to combining ceftriaxone (Rocephin) with calcium
Dermatology whether a rash could be caused by a drug and what to do about it
Pediatrics about the best way to check for fever
Psychiatry whether it makes sense to use pregabalin and gabapentin TOGETHER for pain or seizures
Psychiatry Some people are abusing Seroquel (quetiapine)
Vaccines when to avoid live vaccines
Neurology & Pain Fentanyl patches (Duragesic, etc) are causing deaths
Women's Health Evista will be used more to reduce the risk of breast cancer