Reversible black tongue: A little known side effect of imipenem/cilastatin and evidence for novel mode of action.

WHAT IS KNOWN AND

OBJECTIVE

Black tongue syndrome (BT) is a rare and self-limiting disorder which can result from physiological and metabolic condition and ingestion of toxic substances. Medications are the most common cause of BT.

CASE SUMMARY: A 39-year-old male patient presented with BT after the initiation of imipenem/cilastatin. Within one week of cessation of these drugs, the patient's tongue returned to a normal colour.

WHAT IS NEW AND

CONCLUSION

This is the first case of BT induced by imipenem/cilastatin. Withdrawal of the combination is likely to reverse the condition.