Adverse cutaneous reactions to systemic drugs in adults seen in two referral centres in northern Saudi Arabia.

One hundred and thirty seven adults with adverse cutaneous reactions to systemic drugs seen in two referral centres in northern Saudi Arabia, over a period of three years were reviewed. Urticaria, sometimes occurring with angioedema was the most common pattern observed. It was seen in 35% of cases and the culprit drugs in most instances were the salicylates and the penicillins. The combination of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole was the culprit drug in 70% of cases of fixed drug eruptions and 75% of cases of erythema multiforme. Although there were no recorded fatalities, there was prolonged morbidity in patients with the Stevens-Johnson's syndrome, and unsightly residual hyperpigmentations in those with fixed drug eruptions. The occurrence of these adverse reactions were frequently associated with inappropriate polypharmacy and this practice should be discouraged.