Drug Hypersensitivity Flashcards
(78 cards)
Types of drug reaction
- Type A: Expected based on known properties of drug. Most patients get these. Ex, overdose, side effects
- Type B: Rarer, harder to predict side effects. Usually idiosyncratic, genetic, or immunological in nature (drug hypersensitivity refers specifically to immunological)
Most DHR involve. . .
the skin
Certain small molecule drugs are just the right size and shape to . . .
. . . bind a specific HLA type of Class I MHC
Sulfonamide hypersensitivity syndrome
Caused by a polymorphism resulting in slow catalysis by the N-acetyltransferase responsible for acetylating sulfonamide. Makes sulfonamides last longer.
Why are β-lactams so immunogenic?
Because they are haptens!!!

Manifestations of drug rashes
- urticaria
- exanthematous
- lichenoid (resembling a lichen)
- bullous
- pustular
Common families of drug which cause DHR
- β-lactams
- NSAIDs
- Anticonvulsants
- Antihypertensives
- Antiretrovirals
Furosemide is associated with. . .
Type II hypersensitivity reaction against hemidesmosomes resulting in Bullous pemphigoid

Cephalosporines and quinolones are associated with. . .
Type III hypersensitivity resulting in vasculitis

Major mechanisms of Type IV Hypersensitivity


Exanthematous drug reaction

Steven-Johnson Syndrome aka Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis
When making a drug chart, don’t forget to include. . .
- Non-perscription drugs
- Herbal medicines
- IV administered drugs
- Supplements
Timeframe for EDE development
7-10 days, up to 14days; 1 day when it’s a rechallenge
Timeframe for DRESS development
2-6 weeks
Timeframe for SJS/TEN development
4-28 days, sometimes up to 8 weeks
Most common drug eruption in hospitalized patients
Exanthematous drug reaction
Synonyms for EDE
Morbilliform drug eruption
Maculopapular drug eruption
Symptoms of exanthematous drug reaction
- Itchiness/Pruritis
- Generally well-feeling
- No fever or low-grade fever
- erythematous blanching macules and papules, which may coalesce to form larger macules and plaques
Pattern of EDE skin lesions
- erythematous blanching macules and papules, which may coalesce to form larger macules and plaques
- Typically begins on the trunk and upper extremities and progresses downward
- symmetric
- Mucous membranes are spared
- As it resolves: begins to look dusky, targetoid appearance, post-inflammatory fine desquamation

EDE
Laboratory studies for EDE
- WBC may be slightly elevated
- Low-grade eosinophilia
- Liver function tests normal
Targetoid appearance
two zones of color- a central darker zone and a surrounding lighter zone















