Title:Phenytoin induced Stevens-Johnson Syndrome-toxic Epidermal Necrolysis
Overlap Exacerbated by Cephalexin in a 65-Year-old Neurosurgical Patient:
A Rare Case Report
Volume: 14
Issue: 1
Author(s): Kiran Kumar Rathinam, Sarvesh Sabarathinam, Poojith Nuthalapati and Vijayakumar Thangavel Mahalingam*
Affiliation:
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, SRM College of Pharmacy, SRM IST, Kattankulathur-603203, Kancheepuram,
Tamil Nadu, India
Keywords:
Phenytoin, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, neurosurgery, cephalexin, adverse drug reaction.
Abstract:
Objective: To report a rare case of drug induced overlap of Stevens-Johnson syndrome
and Toxic Epidermal Necrosis Syndrome exacerbated by cephalexin.
Case Presentation: In this case report, we present a 65-year-old female who had come to the hospital
with complaints of Sloughing of the skin and redness all over the body with raised body temperature.
She was on therapeutic Phenytoin to prevent the post-surgical complications of Communicating
Hydrocephalus. After a detailed examination, it was found that the patient had misemployed
with an overdose of Phenytoin. The patient was found with nikolsky sign and diagnosed as Stevens-
Johnson syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrosis overlap. This case report emphasizes phenytoin
induced Stevens-Johnson syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrosis syndrome exacerbated by
cephalexin.
Conclusion: By witnessing this phenomenon, we could figure out the association between
cephalexin and Stevens-Johnson syndrome- Toxic Epidermal Necrosis syndrome overlap. The Immediate
dismissal of the offending agent and commencement of supportive care was found to be effective.
