Drug-induced pruritus: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Drug-induced pruritus | |||
| synonyms = [[Pruritus]] due to medication | |||
| field = [[Dermatology]], [[Pharmacology]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Itching]], [[Erythema]], [[Rash]] | |||
| complications = [[Skin infection]], [[Sleep disturbance]] | |||
| onset = Variable, often within hours to days after drug exposure | |||
| duration = Until the drug is discontinued and cleared from the body | |||
| causes = [[Adverse drug reaction]] | |||
| risks = Use of certain medications, [[Polypharmacy]], [[Allergy]] | |||
| diagnosis = Clinical evaluation, [[Patient history]], [[Skin biopsy]] | |||
| differential = [[Atopic dermatitis]], [[Contact dermatitis]], [[Urticaria]] | |||
| prevention = Avoidance of known triggering medications | |||
| treatment = Discontinuation of the offending drug, [[Antihistamines]], [[Topical corticosteroids]] | |||
| prognosis = Generally good with removal of the causative agent | |||
| frequency = Common, varies with drug type and population | |||
}} | |||
'''Drug-induced pruritus''' is a condition characterized by an intense itching sensation caused by certain medications. It is a common side effect of many drugs and can significantly affect a patient's quality of life. | '''Drug-induced pruritus''' is a condition characterized by an intense itching sensation caused by certain medications. It is a common side effect of many drugs and can significantly affect a patient's quality of life. | ||
== Causes == | == Causes == | ||
The exact cause of drug-induced pruritus is not fully understood. It is believed to be caused by the body's reaction to certain medications. Some drugs are known to cause pruritus more frequently than others. These include [[opioids]], [[antibiotics]], [[chemotherapy drugs]], and [[antimalarial drugs]]. | The exact cause of drug-induced pruritus is not fully understood. It is believed to be caused by the body's reaction to certain medications. Some drugs are known to cause pruritus more frequently than others. These include [[opioids]], [[antibiotics]], [[chemotherapy drugs]], and [[antimalarial drugs]]. | ||
== Symptoms == | == Symptoms == | ||
The primary symptom of drug-induced pruritus is an intense itching sensation. This can occur anywhere on the body, but is most commonly experienced on the arms, legs, and back. The itching can be constant or intermittent, and can range from mild to severe. In some cases, the itching can be so severe that it interferes with sleep and daily activities. | The primary symptom of drug-induced pruritus is an intense itching sensation. This can occur anywhere on the body, but is most commonly experienced on the arms, legs, and back. The itching can be constant or intermittent, and can range from mild to severe. In some cases, the itching can be so severe that it interferes with sleep and daily activities. | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
Diagnosis of drug-induced pruritus is primarily based on the patient's medical history and the timing of the onset of symptoms. If a patient begins experiencing pruritus shortly after starting a new medication, this is a strong indication that the drug is the cause. In some cases, a [[skin biopsy]] may be performed to rule out other potential causes of the itching. | Diagnosis of drug-induced pruritus is primarily based on the patient's medical history and the timing of the onset of symptoms. If a patient begins experiencing pruritus shortly after starting a new medication, this is a strong indication that the drug is the cause. In some cases, a [[skin biopsy]] may be performed to rule out other potential causes of the itching. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
The primary treatment for drug-induced pruritus is to discontinue the offending medication, if possible. In some cases, this may not be possible, and other treatments may be necessary. These can include [[antihistamines]], [[corticosteroids]], and [[phototherapy]]. In severe cases, a referral to a [[dermatologist]] may be necessary. | The primary treatment for drug-induced pruritus is to discontinue the offending medication, if possible. In some cases, this may not be possible, and other treatments may be necessary. These can include [[antihistamines]], [[corticosteroids]], and [[phototherapy]]. In severe cases, a referral to a [[dermatologist]] may be necessary. | ||
== Prevention == | == Prevention == | ||
Prevention of drug-induced pruritus primarily involves avoiding medications known to cause this side effect. If a patient has a history of drug-induced pruritus, they should inform their healthcare provider so that alternative medications can be considered. | Prevention of drug-induced pruritus primarily involves avoiding medications known to cause this side effect. If a patient has a history of drug-induced pruritus, they should inform their healthcare provider so that alternative medications can be considered. | ||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
* [[Pruritus]] | * [[Pruritus]] | ||
* [[Drug eruption]] | * [[Drug eruption]] | ||
* [[Drug hypersensitivity]] | * [[Drug hypersensitivity]] | ||
[[Category:Medicine]] | [[Category:Medicine]] | ||
[[Category:Dermatology]] | [[Category:Dermatology]] | ||
[[Category:Pharmacology]] | [[Category:Pharmacology]] | ||
[[Category:Symptoms and signs]] | [[Category:Symptoms and signs]] | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
{{dictionary-stub1}} | {{dictionary-stub1}} | ||
{{No image}} | |||
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Latest revision as of 00:36, 4 April 2025
| Drug-induced pruritus | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | Pruritus due to medication |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Itching, Erythema, Rash |
| Complications | Skin infection, Sleep disturbance |
| Onset | Variable, often within hours to days after drug exposure |
| Duration | Until the drug is discontinued and cleared from the body |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Adverse drug reaction |
| Risks | Use of certain medications, Polypharmacy, Allergy |
| Diagnosis | Clinical evaluation, Patient history, Skin biopsy |
| Differential diagnosis | Atopic dermatitis, Contact dermatitis, Urticaria |
| Prevention | Avoidance of known triggering medications |
| Treatment | Discontinuation of the offending drug, Antihistamines, Topical corticosteroids |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Generally good with removal of the causative agent |
| Frequency | Common, varies with drug type and population |
| Deaths | N/A |
Drug-induced pruritus is a condition characterized by an intense itching sensation caused by certain medications. It is a common side effect of many drugs and can significantly affect a patient's quality of life.
Causes[edit]
The exact cause of drug-induced pruritus is not fully understood. It is believed to be caused by the body's reaction to certain medications. Some drugs are known to cause pruritus more frequently than others. These include opioids, antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and antimalarial drugs.
Symptoms[edit]
The primary symptom of drug-induced pruritus is an intense itching sensation. This can occur anywhere on the body, but is most commonly experienced on the arms, legs, and back. The itching can be constant or intermittent, and can range from mild to severe. In some cases, the itching can be so severe that it interferes with sleep and daily activities.
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of drug-induced pruritus is primarily based on the patient's medical history and the timing of the onset of symptoms. If a patient begins experiencing pruritus shortly after starting a new medication, this is a strong indication that the drug is the cause. In some cases, a skin biopsy may be performed to rule out other potential causes of the itching.
Treatment[edit]
The primary treatment for drug-induced pruritus is to discontinue the offending medication, if possible. In some cases, this may not be possible, and other treatments may be necessary. These can include antihistamines, corticosteroids, and phototherapy. In severe cases, a referral to a dermatologist may be necessary.
Prevention[edit]
Prevention of drug-induced pruritus primarily involves avoiding medications known to cause this side effect. If a patient has a history of drug-induced pruritus, they should inform their healthcare provider so that alternative medications can be considered.
