Delayed hypersensitivity reaction to allopurinol: A case report

Abstract

Allopurinol is the well-known first-line option for symptomatic hyperuricemia and gout treatment by its urate lowering properties. It is very cost effective for the management of chronic gout. The most common early side effect of allopurinol is skin rashes, diarrhea, and nausea. However, the dangerous complication of allopurinol that we are worried is Steven Johnson Syndrome that can cause severe morbidity and mortality. Delayed hypersensitivity of allopurinol ingestion is rare and need to be one of the differential diagnoses if patient presents with skin rashes with underlying gout on chronic allopurinol ingestion. This case highlights the importance of a high index of suspicion in at-risk person with skin rashes wiclmth underlying gout on long term allopurinol as to avoid unnecessary management to the patient.