Paracetamol (Acetaminophen)-associated SJS, TEN, AGEP, and DRESS Syndromes - A Narrative Review

Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) is a very common OTC drug that is found in more than 200 OTC products sold as pain, cough and cold remedies. Paracetamol is commonly used as an antipyretic to reduce fever and as an alternative to Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that are contraindicated in certain patients to relieve mild-moderate pain.

This review article focuses on SJS, TEN, SJS/TEN overlap, AGEP, and DRESS syndromes associated with the use of paracetamol or paracetamol-containing products.

To find published articles relevant to paracetamol-associated SJS, TEN, AGEP, and DRESS, we searched the online databases Medline/Pubmed/PMC, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Ebsco, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and reference lists using keywords like Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, Acetaminophen, Paracetamol, Toxic epidermal necrolysis, Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis, Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms.

The paracetamol-associated SJS, TEN, SJS/TEN overlap, AGEP, and DRESS syndromes have been identified by a number of publications.

When evaluating drug-induced hypersensitivity skin reactions, healthcare professionals, including prescribers, pharmacists, and others, should be aware of this rare risk. Patients who exhibit signs and symptoms of paracetamol-associated hypersensitivity should be referred to physicians by pharmacists for further treatment. At the first sign of a skin rash or other hypersensitivity reaction while taking paracetamol, patients should be told to stop taking it and see a doctor right away.