THERAPEUTIC MANAGEMENT OF DRUG-INDUCED CU TANEOUS REACTIONS

Cutaneous reactions are the most frequent adverse drug reaction. Withd rawal of suspect drug(s) is recommended, depending on both the severit y of the adverse reaction and the benefits expected from the drug(s). Corticosteroid therapy should be considered for ''hypersensitivity syn drome'' with eosinophilia and severe visceral involvement. Steroid the rapy is probably detrimental in cases of toxic epidermal necrolysis. R ecurrences of adverse reactions to contrast media are prevented by sho rt courses of corticosteroids and H1 antihistamine. Desensitization pl otocols can be used. Their efficacy has been proven for reactions to p enicillin but not vet in cases of sulfonamide induced rashes in HIV in fected patients.