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Published on: October 29, 2020

Ciprofloxacin-induced erythema multiforme

H S Shilpashree1, Shriprasad Sarapur

  • 1Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, RKDF Dental College and Research Center, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India.

Journal of Pharmacology & Pharmacotherapeutics
|January 18, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Ciprofloxacin, a common antibiotic, can rarely cause erythema multiforme (EM), a severe skin reaction. This case highlights a 40-year-old woman who developed EM after ciprofloxacin use, emphasizing the need to consider serious side effects.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Dermatology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Ciprofloxacin is a widely prescribed fluoroquinolone antibiotic known for its broad-spectrum activity.
  • Adverse reactions to ciprofloxacin are uncommon, with a reported incidence of serious events around 0.6%.

Observation:

  • Erythema multiforme (EM) is an acute, self-limiting hypersensitivity reaction affecting skin and mucous membranes.
  • EM presents with characteristic lesions, including bullae, papules, macules, or ulcers, and is often immunologically mediated.

Findings:

  • This article details a case of erythema multiforme induced by ciprofloxacin in a 40-year-old female patient.
  • The case underscores a rare but significant adverse reaction associated with ciprofloxacin therapy.

Implications:

  • Awareness of ciprofloxacin-induced EM is crucial for clinicians managing patients on this antibiotic.
  • Prompt recognition and management of EM can prevent potentially severe complications associated with fluoroquinolone use.
Keywords:
Ciprofloxacinerythema multiformehemorrhageulcer

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