Dermal toxicity associated with epibatidine exposure

Epibatidine is an alkaloid similar to nicotine, which was originally discovered in the skin of the Ecuadorian poisonous frog. A number of synthetic preparations are available, and it is subject to medical research for a variety of disorders. This article describes a previously healthy 25-year-old researcher who developed an itchy, vesicular rash after working for around 2 h in a laboratory environment with epibatidine hydrochloride (Tocris Bioscience, Ellisville, MO, USA). An urticarial rash developed on the extensor surfaces of forearms, calves, axillae, and upper torso. Mucous membranes were spared, and there was no lymphadenopathy. The patient had a history of asthma, but no documented allergy or skin disorder, and no family history of atopy. He underwent treatment with oral prednisolone 40 mg, and regular oral chlorpheniramine 4 mg three times daily, and the rash had fully resolved in 1 week.