Korean J Med.  2003 Nov;65(Suppl 3):S926-S930.

A case of acetaminophen induced anaphylaxis without aspirin sensitivity

• Kim YJ
• Ryu KH
• Yu M
• Oh HJ
• Park CH
• Maeng SH
• Cho YJ

Abstract

Acetaminophen is a world-wide used analgesic and anti-pyretic drug with less anti-in-flammatory effect, available without prescription in most countries. Allergic-like reactions to this drug, including urticaria, angioedema, and anaphylactic reactions have only rarely been reported. This report describes a systemic reaction to acetaminophen documented by oral provocation test in a 30-year-old female patient with a history of anaphylaxis associated with acetaminophen use, in a subject who tolerated aspirin. After an oral challenge with 108.3 mg of acetaminophen, the subject had itching sensation of tongue. With a dose of 162.5 mg (cumulative dose 270.8 mg) acetaminophen, systemic urticaria and rash developed. Also, hand and facial angioedema and chest tightness were noted. Significant change of FEV1 was not noted. But, this patient has bronchial hyperresponsiveness. A rare acute hypersensitivity reaction to acetaminophen without aspirin sensitivity is described in this study. The results of study suggest an other mechanism rather than inhibition of cyclooxygenase as responsible.

Keyword

Drug hypersensitivity; Acetaminophen; Provocation test

MeSH Terms

Acetaminophen*
Adult
Anaphylaxis*
Angioedema
Aspirin*
Drug Hypersensitivity
Exanthema
Female
Hand
Humans
Hypersensitivity
Prescriptions
Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases
Pruritus
Sensation
Thorax
Tongue
Urticaria
Acetaminophen
Aspirin
Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases