Dermatologic adverse drug reactions in a family medicine setting

To determine the prevalence of dermatologic adverse drug reactions in a family medicine outpatient practice setting, identify associated drug classes, and describe associated patient demographics and risk factors, we reviewed the charts of 557 patients in a university-based family medicine center who were diagnosed with a dermatologic condition. The study population included all patients diagnosed during a 1-year period. Thirty-five patients (6.3%) were identified as having dermatologic adverse drug reactions, of which the two most common types were exanthematous eruptions (n = 18 [51.4%]) and generalized erythroderma (n = 6 [17.1%]), with antibiotic use accounting for the majority (n = 21 [60.0%]) of reactions. Patient characteristics most commonly associated with a dermatologic adverse drug reaction were race (African-American), gender (female), and age (70 years and older). These data should provide insight into the types of cutaneous drug reactions commonly seen in community practice. Educational programs in all health-care disciplines, particularly medicine, pharmacy, and public health, that incorporate pharmacoepidemiologic strategies into their curricula are necessary to improve the overall process of monitoring and reporting of adverse drug reactions.