Stevens-Johnson syndrome from ophthalmic sulfonamide

Abstract

A 71-year-old man, who had a history of a previous bullous drug reaction to a sulfonamide, began receiving an ophthalmic preparation that contained sulfacetamide sodium. The patient received only the ophthalmic sulfonamide, and it was used for one day, but he developed Stevens-Johnson syndrome. This is believed to be the first reported case of Stevens-Johnson syndrome caused by an ophthalmic sulfonamide. The sulfonamides are the best verified drug-trigger for erythema multiforme and Stevens-Johnson syndrome.