Balanitis as a fixed drug eruption to tetracycline

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Fixed drug eruptions (FDEs) are uncommon adverse drug reactions.
• Tetracycline therapy is a rarely documented cause of FDEs.

Observation:

• The glans penis epithelium appears particularly vulnerable to FDEs.
• Three cases of balanitis (inflammation of the glans penis) linked to oral tetracycline are presented.

Findings:

• Oral tetracycline can cause fixed drug eruptions presenting as balanitis.
• No cross-sensitivity was observed between tetracycline and doxycycline in these cases.

Implications:

• Clinicians should consider tetracycline as a potential cause of balanitis.
• Doxycycline may be a safer alternative for patients with tetracycline-induced FDEs.