Volume 1 Issue 4 | 2024 | View PDF
Paper Id:IJMSM-V1I4P103
doi: 10.71141/30485037/V1I4P103

Unveiling Paracetamol’s Dark Side: The StevensJohnson Syndrome Saga

K.R. Vishal, Dr. Archana Ponnuswamy, Devang Thakur, Gabriel Godsey

Citation:
K.R. Vishal, Dr. Archana Ponnuswamy, Devang Thakur, Gabriel Godsey, "Unveiling Paracetamol’s Dark Side: The StevensJohnson Syndrome Saga " International Journal of Multidisciplinary on Science and Management, Vol. 1, No. 4, pp. 19-24, 2024.

Abstract:
Acetaminophen is a common drug belonging to the broader category of NonSteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs with analgesic and antipyretic properties. The potential side effects of paracetamol can range from mild drug reactions to severe life-threatening emergencies. Case History: 67- year-old female consumed paracetamol and amoxicillin for fever, upon consumption of paracetamol for 2 days on an empty stomach, she developed oral ulcers with dysphagia and eye redness. Tablet was withdrawn and she recovered from the episode. Discussion: Although the liver toxicity of acetaminophen is well known, a lesser-known side effect of this drug is Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). These dermatological emergencies are associated with similar pathological processes, including epidermal apoptosis and detachment of the dermis and mucosa from the underlying layers. Conclusion: Currently, adverse drug effect of paracetamol such as SJS and TEN are extremely rare and are immune-mediated type IV hypersensitivity reactions involving primar ily CD8+ T lymphocytes. Other immune mediators are thought to be involved, including regulatory T cells, natural killer cells, interleukins, and drug metabolites, but their mechanisms are not fully defined. Genomic variations in human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes have been associated with susceptibility and severity of acetaminophen induced SJS/TENS, but the details of these interactions remain unclear. The widespread use of acetaminophen and the associated morbidity of skin pathologies (SJS and TENS) require a thorough investigation of the causal processes involved in their pathogenesis.

Keywords: Adverse effects, Paracetamol, Skin lesions, Steven Johnson, Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis..

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