Drug-induced aseptic meningitis secondary to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole: a headache to be aware of.

Abstract

Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX), also known as Septra, is a commonly encountered and prescribed antibiotic in emergency department patients. The side effects associated with TMP/SMX are generally mild and self-limited, but serious side effects, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome and drug-induced aseptic meningitis, have been reported. We discuss the case of a 33-year-old woman who presented to our emergency department with the signs and symptoms of meningeal inflammation after being prescribed TMP/SMX 3 days earlier for an abscess with cellulitis.

• Authors: Joel R Lockwood, David Carr
• Journal: CJEM (CJEM) Vol. 16 Issue 5 Pg. 421-4 (Sep 2014) ISSN: 1481-8043 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 25227653 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Anti-Infective Agents
• Trimethoprim
• Sulfamethoxazole

Topics

• Adult
• Anti-Infective Agents (adverse effects)
• Awareness
• Female
• Headache (diagnosis, etiology)
• Humans
• Meningitis, Aseptic (chemically induced, complications, diagnosis)
• Sulfamethoxazole (adverse effects)
• Trimethoprim (adverse effects)