Related Experiment Videos
Anaphylactic reactions associated with trimethoprim
A M Bijl1, M M Van der Klauw, A C Van Vliet
1Drechtsteden Hospital, Dordrecht, The Netherlands.
Background:
Anaphylactic reactions to cotrimoxazole are often ascribed to the sulphamethoxazole component of this antibacterial drug.
Objective:
To determine whether the trimethoprim component can be the cause of an anaphylactic reaction.
Methods:
An analysis was made of reports on anaphylaxis attributed to trimethoprim, as notified to the Drug Safety Unit of the Dutch Inspectorate for Health Care.
Results:
In the period between September 1981 and November 1995, 13 such reports were received. Nine were classified as probable anaphylaxis. Of these, the causal relationship between exposure to trimethoprim and anaphylaxis was classified as definite in three reports, and as probable in the other six. The remaining four reports were classified as possible anaphylaxis. In one of these, the causal relationship was classified as definite, and in three as probable.
Conclusion:
Although anaphylaxis due to trimethoprim seems to be rare, it may be more common than previously thought. Apparently, anaphylaxis to cotrimoxazole is not always caused by sulphamethoxazole.
Insights
Anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction, can be caused by trimethoprim, an component of cotrimoxazole. This finding suggests trimethoprim-induced anaphylaxis may be more common than previously recognized.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Immunology
- Drug Safety
Background:
- Anaphylactic reactions to cotrimoxazole are typically attributed to its sulphamethoxazole component.
- The potential for trimethoprim to cause anaphylaxis remains less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether the trimethoprim component of cotrimoxazole can elicit anaphylactic reactions.
- To assess the frequency and causality of trimethoprim-induced anaphylaxis.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of case reports of anaphylaxis attributed to trimethoprim submitted to the Dutch Inspectorate for Health Care's Drug Safety Unit.
- Classification of reported cases based on the probability of a causal relationship between trimethoprim exposure and anaphylaxis.
Main Results:
- Thirteen reports of anaphylaxis linked to trimethoprim were received between September 1981 and November 1995.
- Nine cases were classified as probable anaphylaxis (3 definite, 6 probable causal link).
- Four cases were classified as possible anaphylaxis (1 definite, 3 probable causal link).
Conclusions:
- Anaphylaxis caused by trimethoprim, while seemingly rare, may occur more frequently than previously assumed.
- This suggests that not all anaphylactic reactions to cotrimoxazole are solely due to the sulphamethoxazole component.