Publication:

A case of drug induced oral erythema multiforme

Erythema multiforme (EM) is an acute, self-limited, usually mild, and often relapsing mucocutaneous syndrome. It occurs predominantly in younger age group with slight male preponderance. The classical cutaneous target lesions and mucosal bullae or erosions are clinical manifestations of EM. Drug induced oral EM a rare clinical entity which involves only the lips and oral mucosa without skin involvement. These lesions are difficult in diagnosing with other oral ulcerative lesions with similar clinical manifestations. Here we are reporting a case of phenylbutazone induced oral EM. The causality of phenylbutazone in the reaction was “probable” as per Naranjo scale and seriousness of the reaction was “prolonged hospitalization”. The patient was managed by immediate withdrawal of the suspected drug along with conservative managements to prevent secondary infections. The patient was discharged successfully after 15 days of admission.