Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus induced or exacerbated by terbinafine: a report of 5 cases.
BACKGROUND
Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus is a nonscarring, non-atrophy-producing photosensitive cutaneous disorder. Half of the patients have 4 or more of the criteria for classification as systemic lupus erythematosus. In some patients, drugs induce or exacerbate the cutaneous disease.


METHODS
We describe 5 patients who had either an exacerbation or a new onset of subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus while taking terbinafine for presumed onychomycosis.


CONCLUSIONS
In general, terbinafine is a safe drug, but perhaps patients with known lupus erythematosus or photosensitivity are predisposed to drug-induced or drug-exacerbated disease.
Callen
J P
JP
Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, 310 E Broadway, Suite 200, Louisville, KY 40202, USA. jefca@aol.com
Hughes
A P
AP
Kulp-Shorten
C
C
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008178:Lupus Erythematosus, Cutaneous / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009281:Naphthalenes / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014009:Onychomycosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D000077291:Terbinafine
D009281:Naphthalenes; D000077291:Terbinafine