Transient reactive phlebitis and intravenous ciprofloxacin: Is there an association?

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Clinical Medicine
• Adverse Drug Events

Background:

• Transient reactive phlebitis (TRP) is an uncommon adverse event associated with intravenous medication administration.
• It manifests as superficial venous inflammation and erythema near the infusion site.
• TRP has been rarely documented with medications like morphine, rocuronium, eptifibatide, propofol, and vancomycin.

Observation:

• This report details a case of TRP occurring subsequent to ciprofloxacin infusion.
• The patient exhibited characteristic erythematous, cord-like lesions along superficial veins.

Findings:

• Ciprofloxacin infusion was identified as the causative agent for transient reactive phlebitis in this patient.
• The precise mechanisms of TRP pathogenesis remain under investigation, with proposed pathways involving nociceptor activation, kinin system involvement, or mediator release.

Implications:

• This case expands the spectrum of drugs known to induce transient reactive phlebitis.
• Awareness of ciprofloxacin-induced TRP is crucial for clinicians to ensure accurate diagnosis and patient management.
• Further research into TRP pathophysiology may elucidate mechanisms relevant to other infusion-related adverse events.