title: Adverse cutaneous reactions to systemic drugs in adults seen in two referral centres in northern Saudi Arabia.
abstract: One hundred and thirty seven adults with adverse cutaneous reactions to systemic drugs seen in two referral centres in northern Saudi Arabia, over a period of three years were reviewed. Urticaria, sometimes occurring with angioedema was the most common pattern observed. It was seen in 35% of cases and the culprit drugs in most instances were the salicylates and the penicillins. The combination of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole was the culprit drug in 70% of cases of fixed drug eruptions and 75% of cases of erythema multiforme. Although there were no recorded fatalities, there was prolonged morbidity in patients with the Stevens-Johnson's syndrome, and unsightly residual hyperpigmentations in those with fixed drug eruptions. The occurrence of these adverse reactions were frequently associated with inappropriate polypharmacy and this practice should be discouraged.
authors: Arar Central Hospital, Northern Frontier, Saudi Arabia.
authors: E P
authors: EP
authors: Kubeyinje
authors: M
authors: M
authors: C'Mathur
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003875:Drug Eruptions / Q000209:etiology*; D004892:Erythema Multiforme / Q000139:chemically induced*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010406:Penicillins / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012459:Salicylates / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012529:Saudi Arabia; D015662:Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D010406:Penicillins; D012459:Salicylates; D015662:Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination