Lichenoid drug eruption in Adult
Alerts and Notices
Synopsis

Multiple medications have been implicated in lichenoid drug eruptions. Classic cutaneous lichenoid drug eruptions may be caused by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, antimalarials, beta blockers, gold, lithium, mercury amalgam, methyldopa, penicillamine, quinidine, sulfonylureas, thiazide diuretics, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α inhibitors, and tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Cutaneous and oral lichenoid reactions may be caused by ACE inhibitors, allopurinol, anticonvulsants, antiretrovirals, gold, ketoconazole, and NSAIDs. Photodistributed lichenoid drug eruptions may be caused by carbamazepine, chlorpromazine, diltiazem, ethambutol, quinidine, quinine, tetracyclines, and thiazide diuretics.
Typically, the eruption occurs 2-3 months after initiation of the culprit medication, although onset may be as short as a few weeks or as long as several years. Resolution may take months or up to a year after its discontinuation; however, there are reports of resolution while an individual remains on the medication. Oral lichenoid drug eruptions occur predominantly in adults, although pediatric cases have been reported.
Related topics: lichen planus, oral lichen planus, lichen planopilaris
Codes
ICD10CM:L43.2 – Lichenoid drug reaction
SNOMEDCT:
109254000 – Lichenoid drug eruption
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Diagnostic Pearls
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Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls
Oral lichenoid drug eruption:Best Tests
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Management Pearls
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Therapy
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Drug Reaction Data
Below is a list of drugs with literature evidence indicating an adverse association with this diagnosis. The list is continually updated through ongoing research and new medication approvals. Click on Citations to sort by number of citations or click on Medication to sort the medications alphabetically.Subscription Required
References
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Last Reviewed:07/25/2019
Last Updated:04/06/2021
Last Updated:04/06/2021