Anaphylactic reaction due to zomepirac

Zomepirac sodium is a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug with potent analgesic properties. Since its introduction in October 1980, this prostaglandin inhibitor has been fairly well tolerated, and little toxicity has been associated with its use. In fact, it was not until April 1981 that the first serious reaction of anaphylaxis was described. Since then six additional cases have been reported to the literature. The manufacturer voluntarily withdrew the agent in March 1983 from the market pending further investigation of these reactions. We describe the case of an additional anaphylactic reaction to zomepirac and review the literature.