Phenytoin-induced severe cutaneous drug reactions: suspected interactions with corticosteroids and H2-blockers.
BACKGROUND
Cutaneous drug reactions are attributed usually to one culprit drug, however, some CDRs may be associated with drug interactions.


OBJECTIVE
To present a case series of four patients with phenytoin-induced severe CDRs, including toxic epidermal necrolysis (2 patients), exanthematous eruption (1 patient) and hypersensitivity syndrome (1 patient). In all patients the reactions appeared following the combined intake of phenytoin, corticosteroids and H2-blockers.


CONCLUSIONS
Our case series may imply the role of drug interactions between phenytoin, corticosteroids and H2-blockers in the induction of severe CDRs.
Cohen
A D
AD
Department of Dermatology, Soroka Medical Center, Beer Sheva, Israel. arcohen@bgumail.bgu.ac.il
Reichental
E
E
Halevy
S
S
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003875:Drug Eruptions / Q000209:etiology*; D004357:Drug Synergism; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D006635:Histamine H2 Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010672:Phenytoin / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000494:pharmacology
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D006635:Histamine H2 Antagonists; D010672:Phenytoin