Red Man Syndrome after Oral Vancomycin
Authors: Aaron D. Killian, Jan V. Sahai, Ziad A. Memish
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (1991)

Letters1 September 1991Red Man Syndrome after Oral VancomycinAaron D. Killian, BScPharm, Jan V. Sahai, PharmD, Ziad A. Memish, MDAaron D. Killian, BScPharmSearch for more papers by this author, Jan V. Sahai, PharmDSearch for more papers by this author, Ziad A. Memish, MDSearch for more papers by this authorAuthor, Article, and Disclosure Informationhttps://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-115-5-410 SectionsAboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail ExcerptTo the Editors: Vancomycin-induced red-man syndrome is characterized by pruritus, erythema, and, in severe cases, angioedema, hypotension, and cardiovascular collapse (1). The frequency and severity of this phenomenon diminish with repeated administration of the drug (2). This reaction is usually associated with rapid intravenous infusions but may occur after slow administration (2). A recent report suggests that intraperitoneal vancomycin may also cause the red-man syndrome (3). We report an association between oral administration of vancomycin and the red-man syndrome.A 67-year-old woman developed profuse diarrhea and abdominal pain during treatment with amoxicillin-clavulanic acid for bronchitis. Results of a flexible sigmoidoscopy...References1. PolkHealySchwartzRockGarsonRoller RDLDMK. Vancomycin and the red-man syndrome: pharmacodynamics of histamine release. J Infect Dis. 1988;157:502-7. CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar2. HealySahaiFullerPolk DJSR. Vancomycin-induced histamine release and "red man syndrome": comparison of 1- and 2-hour infusions. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 1990;34:550-4. CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar3. BailieKowalskvEisele GSG. Red-neck syndrome associated with intraperitoneal vancomycin. Clin Pharm. 1990;9:671-2. MedlineGoogle Scholar4. DudleyQuintilianiNightingaleGontarz MRCN. Absorption of vancomycin. Ann Intern Med. 1984;101:144. LinkGoogle Scholar5. GeraciHeilmanNicholsWellmanRoss JFDWG. Some laboratory and clinical experiences with a new antibiotic, vancomycin. Mayo Clin Proc. 1956;31:564-82. MedlineGoogle Scholar This content is PDF only. To continue reading please click on the PDF icon. Author, Article, and Disclosure InformationAuthors: Aaron D. Killian, BScPharm; Jan V. Sahai, PharmD; Ziad A. Memish, MDAffiliations: Ottawa General Hospital Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L6 Canada PreviousarticleNextarticle Advertisement FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Metrics Cited byA rare case of infant eosinophilia induced by oral vancomycin: a case report and literature reviewDoes oral vancomycin use necessitate therapeutic drug monitoring?Rash induced by enteral vancomycin therapy in an older patient in a long-term care ventilator unit: case report and review of the literatureOther Antibiotic AllergyDrug ReactionsMaculopapular Rash Induced by Oral VancomycinToxidermies induites par les glycopeptidesVancocin 1404-90-6Comparative safety of teicoplanin and vancomycinCutaneous drug reactions 1 September 1991Volume 115, Issue 5Page: 410-411KeywordsBronchitisDiarrheaDrug administrationDrugsErythemaFlexible sigmoidoscopyHypotensionOral administrationPruritusVancomycin ePublished: 1 December 2008 Issue Published: 1 September 1991 PDF downloadLoading ...