Work

Pseudoephedrine-Associated Erythromelalgia: A Case Report of a Rare Drug Reaction

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction: Erythromelalgia is a rare disorder characterized by severe burning extremity pain, erythema, and increased skin temperature. Symptoms are aggravated by warming and alleviated by cooling. It is known to be associated with multiple underlying conditions, as well as reactions in response to medications. Case Presentation: A 38-year-old man experienced two distinct episodes of redness and swelling of his hands after taking "cold" tablets containing paracetamol and pseudoephedrine. His symptoms peaked 72 h after onset despite discontinuing the medication. Upon being made aware that there was an association between pseudoephedrine and erythromelalgia, he avoided all pseudoephedrine-containing medications with no recurrence. Conclusion: This case represents the second documented report of pseudoephedrine-associated erythromelalgia in the literature, with a proposed direct link due to the sympathetic adrenergic effects of pseudoephedrine on the vasculature.

Source: Case Reports in Dermatology

DOI: 10.1159/000549963

Authors: Liang Zhi Wong, Georgios Kravvas

Institutions: Whittington Hospital, Whittington Health NHS Trust, University College Hospital, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, University College London

Language: English

Topic: Pain Management and Treatment

Subfield: Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,030