Cutaneous reactions to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. A review

J Am Acad Dermatol. 1985 May;12(5 Pt 1):866-76. doi: 10.1016/s0190-9622(85)70110-7.

Abstract

The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are one of the most commonly prescribed classes of drugs used in medical practice. This review discusses the diverse cutaneous reactions associated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Adverse cutaneous reactions occur most frequently with benoxaprofen, piroxicam, sulindac, meclofenamate sodium, zomepirac sodium, and phenylbutazone. The most serious adverse cutaneous reactions, Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, appear to be most often associated with sulindac and phenylbutazone. Tolmetin and zomepirac sodium, two structurally similar pyrrole derivatives, have been associated with a disproportionate number of cases of anaphylactoid reactions. Among the currently marketed nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, piroxicam appears to have the highest rate of phototoxic reactions. This phototoxic eruption is most often vesiculobullous.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acetates / adverse effects
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / adverse effects*
  • Aspirin / adverse effects
  • Drug Eruptions / etiology
  • Humans
  • Ibuprofen / adverse effects
  • Indomethacin / adverse effects
  • Piroxicam
  • Propionates / adverse effects
  • Pruritus / chemically induced
  • Pyrazoles / adverse effects
  • Pyrazolones*
  • Salicylates / adverse effects
  • Skin / pathology
  • Skin Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Stevens-Johnson Syndrome / etiology
  • Thiazines / adverse effects
  • ortho-Aminobenzoates / adverse effects

Substances

  • Acetates
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Propionates
  • Pyrazoles
  • Pyrazolones
  • Salicylates
  • Thiazines
  • ortho-Aminobenzoates
  • Piroxicam
  • pyrazolone
  • Aspirin
  • Ibuprofen
  • Indomethacin