Carbamazepine Induced Stevens - Johnson Syndrome: A Case Report

Abstract

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a very rare, acute, serious and potentially fatal skin reaction disease. Carbamazepine is one of its most common cause, others are antiretroviral drugs, anti-tuberculosis drugs, sulphonamides, fluoroquinolones, penicillins, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and multivitamins. Genetic susceptibility has been suggested as a possible explanation. We report a case of SJS secondary to carbamazepine in a patient with previous history of skin rashes due to carbamazepine which was given for treatment of schizoaffective disorder. We would like to highlight that carbamazepine re-administration should be avoided in the patient with a previous history of adverse skin reaction or SJS. In addition, gradual titration and observation for these side effects are recommended while initiating treatment with carbamazepine.