Drug Reactions
General and supportive measures Medicine treatment Referral ICD-10 code: L27.0 Commonly associated with: sulphur-containing agents, penicillin, antiepileptics (e.g. carbamazepine, lamotrigine), NSAIDs, anti-tuberculosis drugs, and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. A variety of rashes may occur, including: erythema multiforme (see Erythema Multiforme ) urticarial eruptio
General and supportive measures
ICD-10 code: L27.0
Commonly associated with:
- sulphur-containing agents,
- penicillin,
- antiepileptics (e.g. carbamazepine, lamotrigine),
- NSAIDs,
- anti-tuberculosis drugs, and
- non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors.
A variety of rashes may occur, including:
- erythema multiforme (see Erythema Multiforme)
- urticarial eruptions,
- measles-like maculopapular rash, or
- fixed drug reactions, which are flat or slightly raised, purple, symmetrical patches of < 0.5 cm in size.
Lesions recur upon re-exposure to the causative agent and may present as blisters.
GENERAL AND SUPPORTIVE MEASURES
- Stop causative agents.
MEDICINE TREATMENT
Antihistamines
For children 2 years and older:
- Cetirizine, oral, as a single dose.
- Children 2–6 years: 5 mg.
- Children 6–12 years: 10 mg.
For children less than 2 years:
- Chlorphenamine, oral, 0.1 mg/kg/dose as a single dose at night. (Maximum 4 mg).
Where the oral route cannot be used:
- Promethazine, IV, 0.1 mg/kg/dose 8–12 hourly. (Maximum 25 mg).
REFERRAL
- Systemic involvement with organ dysfunction
Standard Treatment Guidelines And Essential Medicines List For South Africa, Hospital Level, Paediatrics, 2023 Edition
Chapter 5: Dermatology, 5.3 Macules And Papules, 5.3.1 Drug Reactions