Fixed drug reaction

Fixed Drug Reaction

Fixed drug reaction (pronunciation: fikst drʌg riˈækʃən) is a specific type of adverse drug reaction that is characterized by the recurrence of certain skin lesions in the same location each time the drug is administered.

Etymology

The term "fixed drug reaction" was first used in the early 20th century. The word "fixed" is derived from the Latin fixus, meaning "fastened, settled", which refers to the consistent location of the skin lesions. The term "drug" comes from the Old French drogue, possibly derived from droge vate, meaning "dry barrels", referring to medicinal substances. The word "reaction" is from the late 14th century, from the Old French reaccion, from Latin reactionem, meaning "a reaction", from the verb reagere, meaning "to react".

Definition

A fixed drug reaction is a type of hypersensitivity reaction to a drug, where a skin lesion appears at the same site each time the drug is taken. The lesions are usually solitary but can be multiple. The most commonly implicated drugs are antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and anticonvulsants.

Symptoms

The symptoms of a fixed drug reaction typically begin within hours of taking the offending drug and include a burning or stinging sensation, followed by the appearance of a red or purple patch of skin that may blister and become hard and scaly. The lesion usually heals with hyperpigmentation and may recur if the drug is re-administered.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of a fixed drug reaction is primarily based on the patient's history and the clinical appearance of the lesions. A skin biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis. Patch testing can also be used to identify the causative drug.

Treatment

Treatment involves discontinuation of the causative drug and management of the skin lesions. Topical corticosteroids may be used to reduce inflammation and itching. In severe cases, systemic corticosteroids may be required.

Related Terms

• Adverse drug reaction
• Hypersensitivity reaction
• Antibiotics
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• Anticonvulsants
• Skin biopsy
• Patch testing
• Corticosteroids

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Fixed drug reaction
• Wikipedia's article - Fixed drug reaction

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