Cutaneous reactions to alimentary tract medications: Results of a seven-year surveillance program and review of the literature

Naldi, L.; Ferri, C.; De sanctis, S.; Camelli, T.; Rebora, A.; Tognoni, G.; Peserico, A.; Grimakli filioli, F.; Villano, P. A.; Moscaricllo, C.; Guerrera, V.; Fiorio, M.; Pisani, M.; Locati, F.; Falgheri, G.; Di landro, A.; Barcella, A.; Reseghetti, A.; Imberti, G.; De bitonto, A.; Mariani, A.; Pansera, B.; Puiatti, P.; Fassino, M.; Tomidei, M.; Doveil, G.; Annunziata, M.; Zina, A. M.; Forte, M.; Filotico, R.; Foti, C.; Angelini, G.; Vena, G. A.; Arcangeli, F.; Brighi, L.; Fcletti, S.; Leardini, M.; Polverelli, M.; Laudi, G.; Tosti, A.; Misciali, C.; D'Antuono, A.; Zucchelli, V.; Varotti, C.; Baiato, N.; Derosa, S.; Bordone, F.; Patruno, C.; Santoianni, P.; Virgili, A. R.; Strumia, R.; Colombo, V.; Negrini, A.; Califano, A.; Marinaro, P.; Riva, M. I.; Gennari, L.; Galbiati, G.; Pasolini, G.; Manganoni, A.; Leali, C.; Carlino, A.; Schena, D.; Barba, A.; Veraldi, S.; Rizzitelli, G.; Caputo, R.; Veller fornasa, C.; Poletto, S.; Peserico, A.; Cusano, F.; Galiuccio, A. G.; Capozzi, M.; Burroni, A.; Nigro, A.; Farris, A.; Fanti, A.; Lombardi, P. F.; Dilorio, S.; Becchilega, R.; Perno, P.; Lisi, P.; Pestarino, A.; Arinomele, A.; Massone, L.; Laniuntuono, M.; Lumino, M.; Giovanni, S.; Robert, E.; Rongioletti, F.; Betti, R.; Crosti, C.; Diprima, T.; Sapuppo, A.; Locatelli, A.; Saggiorato, F.; Feniz, G.; Altobella, L.; Moretti, S.; Barcolla, L.; Palleschi, G. M.; Scardigli, F.; Kokelj, F.; Cimitan, A.; Taddcucci, P.; Cannata, G.; Ingordo, V.

doi:10.1159/000246191

Background: No systematic review of skin reactions to alimentary tract medications is available in the literature. Objective: We reviewed the reactions to alimentary tract medications reported to the surveillance system of the Italian Group for Epidemiologic Research in Dermatology (GISED). Methods: Between January 1988 and December 1994, 202 dermatologists in Italy reported to the coordinating center of GISED all the adverse reactions they observed during prespecified 2-month monitoring periods. Reactions classified under ATC codes A02A04, A06, A07 and A09 were used for this analysis. Results: Of 2,789 reactions, 48 were attributed to alimentary tract medications. Urticaria/angioedema and exanthemas accounted for about 70% of these reactions. Fixed eruptions and lichenoid dermatitis accounted for a large part of the remaining reactions. Antiulcers and antiemetics appeared remarkably safe. Conclusion: Our data are reassuring with regard to the cutaneous reaction profile of several drugs taken for diseases of the alimentary tract. © 1996 S. Karger AG, Basel.