Dermatologic adverse drug reactions in a family medicine setting
T. J. Ives, E. J. Bentz and R. E. Gwyther
Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
To determine the prevalence of dermatologic adverse drug reactions in a
family medicine outpatient practice setting, identify associated drug
classes, and describe associated patient demographics and risk factors, we
reviewed the charts of 557 patients in a university-based family medicine
center who were diagnosed with a dermatologic condition. The study
population included all patients diagnosed during a 1-year period.
Thirty-five patients (6.3%) were identified as having dermatologic adverse
drug reactions, of which the two most common types were exanthematous
eruptions (n = 18 [51.4%]) and generalized erythroderma (n = 6 [17.1%]),
with antibiotic use accounting for the majority (n = 21 [60.0%]) of
reactions. Patient characteristics most commonly associated with a
dermatologic adverse drug reaction were race (African-American), gender
(female), and age (70 years and older). These data should provide insight
into the types of cutaneous drug reactions commonly seen in community
practice. Educational programs in all health-care disciplines, particularly
medicine, pharmacy, and public health, that incorporate
pharmacoepidemiologic strategies into their curricula are necessary to
improve the overall process of monitoring and reporting of adverse drug
reactions.
