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Verapamil-associated Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
1College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions, St John's University, Jamaica, NY 11439.
DICP : the Annals of Pharmacotherapy
|December 1, 1989
Summary
Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a rare complication of calcium-channel blockers. A patient developed SJS after starting verapamil, with symptoms resolving after drug discontinuation.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Dermatology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Calcium-channel blockers are commonly prescribed for hypertension.
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a severe mucocutaneous reaction, infrequently linked to medications.
Observation:
- A 59-year-old woman presented with symptoms of SJS, including fever and rash.
- These symptoms emerged approximately ten days after initiating sustained-release verapamil for hypertension.
Findings:
- The patient's SJS symptoms, such as fever and a generalized rash with facial and oral swelling, resolved within four days of discontinuing verapamil.
- Rechallenge was not performed, but the temporal relationship suggests a causal link.
Implications:
- This case highlights SJS as a potential, albeit rare, adverse effect of verapamil.
- Clinicians should consider SJS in the differential diagnosis for patients with fever and rash after verapamil use.