Drug induced dermatological reaction of the 100 most commonly prescribed medications in UK hospitals

Abstract

Objective: It is commonly reported that medicines have side effects related to dermatological practice. However, it is extremely difficult to establish how commonly, or rarely skin-related medication side effects occur. Common dermatological side effects include rash, pruritus, and photosensitivity. Objective: To demonstrate the dermatological side-effects of the most commonly prescribed medications in the United Kingdom. Methods: This paper discusses dermatological side-effects of the commonly prescribed medications, including uncommon or rare manifestations such as angioedema and Stevens - Johnson syndrome (SJS). The list used for the most frequently prescribed drugs in the United Kingdom was created by nurses. This list was compared to the British National Formulary to demonstrate the reported frequency of occurrence of dermatological side-effects or complications. Conclusion: The top 100 prescribed medication cause a number of dermatological side effects that need to be considered when they are prescribed to patients who have pre-existing skin conditions. Additionally, when confronted with a common dermatological problem in any patient, clinicians should always consider the possibility of a drug adverse reaction.