title: [Pruritus - an important adverse drug reaction].
abstract: Chronic pruritus may be induced by drugs. In this, chronic pruritus must be differentiated from acute pruritus. Acute pruritus can appear as a side-effect of a medication as for example antibiotics and will usually disappear within some days after discontinuation of the drug. Chronic pruritus is defined as itch sensations lasting longer than six weeks. Chronic pruritus, however, forms a major challenge in diagnostic and therapeutic respect. In view of the demographic development of the population and the frequent polypharmacy especially in the elderly, drugs should always be considered as a possible cause for pruritus.
authors.affiliation: Abteilung Klinische Sozialmedizin, Berufs- und Umweltdermatologie, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg. elke.weisshaar@med.uni-heidelberg.de
authors.forename: Elke
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Weisshaar
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D002648:Child; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003875:Drug Eruptions / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy; D004347:Drug Interactions; D006801:Humans; D011537:Pruritus / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents