Objective: To report a case of cephalexin-induced Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), a devastating adverse drug reaction that involves the entire skin surface and mucosal areas of the body.
Data sources: MEDLINE search (key terms cephalosporins, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, erythema multiforme, and systemic lupus erythematosus) and references identified from bibliographies of pertinent articles.
Data synthesis: Clinical presentation and manifestations of SJS include the skin, eyes, gastrointestinal tract, and pulmonary system. Infectious complications are the leading cause of mortality. Early intervention is important to prevent progression of SJS. The case described is consistent with the features of this syndrome. The patient presented with fever, arthralgias, and malaise. Skin lesions included a diffuse violet macular rash with erythema and multiple bullous lesions on her neck and abdomen. The skin biopsy was consistent with SJS. Multiple mucocutaneous ulcers were found in her mouth, but no evidence of lower gastrointestinal tract involvement was documented. She remained relatively free of pulmonary complaints except for the presenting bronchitis.
Conclusions: Cephalexin should be added to the list of agents to consider as iatrogenic causes of SJS.