Hypersensitivity and anaphylactoid reactions to ciprofloxacin.
OBJECTIVE
To report three cases of life-threatening hypersensitivity reactions to the oral administration of ciprofloxacin.


METHODS
Life-threatening hypersensitivity reactions to oral ciprofloxacin, characterized by diffuse, erythematous, nonpruritic, blanching rash, with fever and hypotension, occurred in two HIV-infected patients. One of these reactions was considered anaphylactoid. A similar hypersensitivity reaction was documented in a non-HIV-infected patient.


CONCLUSIONS
Premarketing clinical trials described no reports of life-threatening anaphylactoid hypersensitivity reactions to ciprofloxacin. However, postmarketing surveillance studies have documented their occurrence. Seven cases of anaphylactoid reaction to ciprofloxacin have now been documented in HIV-infected patients.


CONCLUSIONS
As with trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, HIV-infected people treated with ciprofloxacin may be at special risk for hypersensitivity reactions.
Deamer
R L
RL
Ventura County Medical Center, Office of Medical Education, CA 93003.
Prichard
J G
JG
Loman
G J
GJ
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000150:complications; D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000707:Anaphylaxis / Q000139:chemically induced*; D002939:Ciprofloxacin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004342:Drug Hypersensitivity / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D002939:Ciprofloxacin