Ciprofloxacin-induced drug fever

Area of Science:

• Internal Medicine
• Pharmacology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Drug-induced fever is an uncommon but critical differential diagnosis for unexplained fever.
• Patients with complex medical histories, such as advanced renal disease and recent surgery, may present diagnostic challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the importance of considering drug fever in patients with unexplained fever after excluding other causes.
• To emphasize the diagnostic and clinical implications of recognizing ciprofloxacin-induced drug fever.

Main Methods:

• A case report of a woman in her 60s with advanced renal disease and hip arthroplasty is presented.
• Extensive investigations were performed to rule out infectious etiologies.
• The patient was treated with an extended course of ciprofloxacin.

Main Results:

• Despite thorough investigations, no infectious source was identified.
• Fever recurred during ciprofloxacin treatment, resolving within 48 hours of drug discontinuation.
• No recurrence of fever was observed after ciprofloxacin was stopped.

Conclusions:

• Drug fever should be considered in the differential diagnosis of unexplained fever, especially when no infectious source is found.
• Early recognition of drug fever, such as ciprofloxacin-induced fever, can prevent unnecessary treatments and improve patient outcomes.
• Maintaining a high index of suspicion for drug fever is crucial, particularly when new medications are initiated.