A Case of Fixed Drug Eruption Due to Acetaminophen

ABSTRACT

Fixed drug eruption normally presents as single or multiple sharply demarcated erythematous lesions that recur at the same location upon re-exposure to the offending agent. When the acute inflammation subsides, it often leaves residual hyperpigmentation. Commonly implicated substances are phenolphthalein, barbiturates, sulfonamides, tetracyclines, salicylates, gold and pyrazolone derivatives. Despite frequent use of acetaminophen, drug eruptions, especially fixed drug eruptions, due to acetaminophen are extrernely rare. We report here a childhood case of fixed drug eruption caused by acetaminophen, which is extensively used as an over-the-counter drug, as well as in medical therapy.