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Valdecoxib‐Induced Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis in a Patient Allergic to Sulfa Drugs
Author(s) -
Glasser Denise L.,
Burroughs Susan H.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
pharmacotherapy: the journal of human pharmacology and drug therapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.227
H-Index - 109
eISSN - 1875-9114
pISSN - 0277-0008
DOI - 10.1592/phco.23.4.551.32118
Subject(s) - valdecoxib , toxic epidermal necrolysis , medicine , cyclooxygenase , dermatology , anesthesia , arthritis , rofecoxib , biochemistry , chemistry , enzyme
A 55‐year‐old Caucasian woman with a previously documented sulfa allergy was admitted to the hospital after she developed toxic epidermal necrolysis; she had been taking valdecoxib for 8 days for knee pain. Four days later, her bullous lesions had progressed to 45–50% of her body surface area. She was transferred to a burn unit for aggressive wound care and fluid hydration. Valdecoxib, a cyclooxygenase‐2 inhibitor, is a benzenesulfonamide prescribed for arthritis pain and inflammation, and dysmenorrhea. Clinicians should exercise caution when prescribing valdecoxib to patients who are allergic to sulfa drugs.