Medications that may cause a rash
Many medications can cause a rash. Some of the more common medications that cause rashes are:
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors for high blood pressure, such as captopril, enalapril, fosinopril, or lisinopril.
- Antibiotics, such as penicillin, cephalosporins, sulfonamides, furadantin, or vancomycin.
- Anticonvulsants, such as carbamazepine or valproate.
- ASA and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen.
- Barbiturates, such as amobarbital or pentobarbital.
- Blood and blood products.
- Complementary and alternative medications, such as echinacea.
- Contrast dyes used in X-ray studies.
- Enzymes, such as trypsin and streptokinase.
- Pain medications that contain codeine and codeine-like compounds.
- Phenylbutazone, such as Apo-Phenylbutazone.
- Sulfonamide derivatives, such as hydrochlorothiazide.
If a rash occurs after you have begun a new medication:
- Call the health professional who prescribed the medication to determine whether you should stop taking the medication or take a different one. An appointment may not be necessary. Do not take another dose of the medication until you have spoken to your health professional.
- If you are taking a non-prescription medication, stop taking it. Call your health professional if you feel you need to continue taking the medication.
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: October 10, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology | |
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