[Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis following intake of sulfonamides].

Sulfonamides, particularly in combination with trimethoprim, are among the most commonly prescribed antimicrobial chemotherapeutic agents since they are generally well tolerated and have a broad antibacterial spectrum. However, they are the most common cause of adverse cutaneous drug reactions, the most serious of which are the major variant of erythema multiforme, i.e. Stevens-Johnson-syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis. In eight of 11 patients with Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis seen in our department over a period of 4 years, sulfonamides were the most probable causative agent. The present report describes these eight patients and discusses the potential risks of sulfonamide therapy.