Fixed Drug Eruption Due to Tinidazole: 2 Case Reports and Review of Literature

Abstract

Fixed Drug Eruption (FDE) is a common type of drug eruption characterized by single or multiple skin lesions which occur at the same site each time the drug is administered. FDEs though usually not fatal, can cause cosmetic embarrassment if exposed parts are affected due to recurrence of the reaction on the previously affected site and residual hyperpigmentation. Genital fixed drug eruption in particular, is the cause for apprehension among the sufferers. FDE usually occurs within hours of administration of the offending agent. Nitroimidazoles including tinidazole have been used for anaerobic infections especially in intestinal amoebiasis, without much side effects, but may cause FDEs. We report 2 (two) cases of FDE due to tinidazole attending dermatology out patient clinic. The first one is a case of FDE on the glans penis and the second one is a case of FDE on the lips and trunk. In both the cases tinidazole was advised to stop. The cases were managed with steroid and anti histamines. Both the patient and famlily members were counseled for possible ADRs occurred due to tinidazole intake and advised to avoid tinidazole and any self medication and also to notify to physicians physicians regarding such reactions in future.