Cutaneous adverse reactions to clindamycin: results of skin tests and oral exposure.
BACKGROUND
Clindamycin is an antibiotic used in anaerobic and severe complicated infections. It is often selected for patients with a history of allergy to other antibiotics.


OBJECTIVE
To study the occurrence of clindamycin hypersensitivity and to determine whether skin tests are useful in cases of suspected clindamycin allergy.


METHODS
Six patients with an exanthematous rash and a history strongly suggestive of clindamycin hypersensitivity were studied with skin tests and oral exposure. Cases of suspected adverse drug reactions to clindamycin reported to the National Register of Adverse Effects of Drugs (NRAED) in Finland during 1973-2000 were analysed.


RESULTS
In the skin tests true-positive patch test reactions were seen in four of six patients, while 22 healthy control patients were negative. One false-positive and one false-negative patch test reaction were seen. During 1973-2000, 29 suspected cases of skin and/or mucosal membranes affected by clindamycin were reported to the NRAED.


CONCLUSIONS
Clindamycin hypersensitivity is not common. Delayed-type allergic reactions occur and patch tests are useful in those cases. Oral exposure is the method of choice if possible, as false-negative and false-positive reactions may occur.
Lammintausta
K
K
Department of Dermatology, Turku University Central Hospital, 20520 Turku, Finland. kaija.lammintausta@tyks.fi
Tokola
R
R
Kalimo
K
K
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002981:Clindamycin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003875:Drug Eruptions / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D005188:False Negative Reactions; D005189:False Positive Reactions; D005260:Female; D005387:Finland / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010328:Patch Tests / Q000379:methods; D012042:Registries
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D002981:Clindamycin