Who's At Risk
Drug rashes can appear on people of all ages, all races, and of both sexes. However, women are more likely than men to develop drug rashes, and they tend to occur more frequently in elderly people.
Factors that predispose an individual to developing a drug rash include:
- Weakened immune system due to underlying illness or medication
- Underlying infection
- Taking more than 3 medicines daily
Although any medication can cause a drug rash, the most common types of medications that trigger a drug rash include:
- Antibiotics, such as penicillin or sulfa drugs
- Anti-inflammatory medicines, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or indomethacin
- Painkillers, such as codeine or morphine
- Seizure medications (anti-convulsants), such as phenytoin or carbamazepine
- Chemotherapy agents
- Medicines for psychiatric illnesses (psychotropic medications)
- Diuretics
- Iodine, especially that found in X-ray contrast dye
Overview
