Recommendations of Lee et al for Preventing Allopurinol-Related DRESS (Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms, Allopurinol Hypersensitivity Syndrome, AHS)

 

Synonyms: allopurinol hypersensitivity syndrome (AHS)

 

Risk factors for allopurinol-related DRESS:

(1) Chinese race (at least in Singapore where the study was performed)

(2) renal insufficiency

(3) older age (>= 65 years of age)

 

Recommendations for avoiding allopurinol-related DRESS:

(1) Only prescribe allopurinol when there is a clear indication.

(2) Be careful when treating a patient with one or more risk factors.

(3) Adjust the dose if the patient has renal insufficiency.

(4) Monitor the patient closely for signs and symptoms of a hypersensitivity reaction, especially for the first 2 months of therapy.

(5) Educate the patient about the signs of a hypersensitivity reaction and the need to contact the physician immediately.