ABSTRACT
Aims: A fixed drug eruption (FDE) is a common cutaneous adverse drug reaction which occurs following administration of an offending drug or substance. The list of drugs incriminated in FDEs is ever changing, being influenced by the prescribing patterns of a given region. As newer drugs enter the market, and older drugs lose favour, one must refresh one's knowledge on potential culprits. The aim of this review is to provide an update on the list of drugs causing FDEs, with a focus on emerging drug culprits reported since the start of the century. Methods: A review of current FDE literature was performed, focussing on new and emerging drug culprits from the current century. Results: Across currently published literature, triggers for FDE are widely varied. The most frequently implicated drugs including analgesia (NSAIDs and paracetamol) and antibiotics. Co-trimoxazole is perhaps the most well described single agent. Since the start of the century there have been over 200 drugs named in case reports on FDE. Newer novel agents of note include cyclooxygenase 2 specific inhibitors, fluconazole, and phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors. Other drugs, including vaccines (such as various SARS-CoV-2 vaccines), herbal medicine preparations and contrast, are of particular interest as patients may omit reporting this as part of their medication history. Conclusion: Drugs incriminated in FDE vary based on the geographical region studied and prescribing patterns at a given times. Newer drugs continue to enter the market and are playing an increasing role in the field of FDE. Awareness of rarer culprits and emerging novel agents can help identify a patient trigger, allowing for prompt withdrawal of the causative agent, preventing recurrence.