Title:Ethambutol Induced Lichenoid Drug Eruption: A Case Report
Volume: 16
Issue: 3
Author(s): Thitaree Yuyaem, Patcharaporn Sudchada*, Chutika Srisuttiyakorn, Jirapan Juntawong, Naruemon Khanngern, Natwara Watcharapokin and Pitchayakorn Chansangiam
Affiliation:
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok,Thailand
Keywords:
Case report, ethambutol, lichenoid drug eruption, lichen planus, cutaneous adverse drug reaction (CADR),
tuberculosis (TB), LDE.
Abstract:
Background: A rare type of cutaneous adverse drug reaction (CADR), lichenoid drug
eruption (LDE), can be associated with ethambutol.
Case Report: A 60-year-old woman with spinal tuberculosis received multiple anti-TB medications
and developed rashes after 3 months of the treatments. A skin biopsy from the posterior auricular
area confirmed lichenoid dermatitis, and the Naranjo causality assessment indicated ethambutol
as a probable cause of LDE in the patient. The rashes slowly improved after discontinuation of
ethambutol. Unfortunately, the residual of brown hyperpigmentation on the body still persisted for
over 16 months.
Conclusion: The medications were reduced to isoniazid 300 mg/day and rifampicin 450 mg /day
as planned for another 3 months. This case report points out the essentials of early recognition of
ethambutol LDE by health care professionals.
