Fixed-Drug Eruption Due to Dextromethorphan
July 1990
in “
Archives of Dermatology
”
Studysummary This case report details a fixed-drug eruption in a woman linked to the use of dextromethorphan, marking it as a previously unreported skin reaction to this medication.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
The document described a case where a 45-year-old woman experienced a fixed-drug eruption (FDE) after taking dextromethorphan, a common cough suppressant. She developed an erythematous patch with a blister on her arm, which recurred with further use of the medication. An oral provocation test with 8 mg of dextromethorphan resulted in a milder reaction without blistering, and histopathologic examination confirmed FDE. Topical tests with the drug were negative, indicating that a derivative of dextromethorphan might be responsible for the reaction. This case was the first to report FDE caused by dextromethorphan, thereby adding to the list of drugs that can cause FDE.
