Varenicline-induced drug eruption: case and review of the literature

Dermatol Online J. 2023 Feb 15;29(1). doi: 10.5070/D329160217.

Abstract

Cutaneous side-effects of varenicline, a selective partial agonist of the a4B2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor used to treat smoking addiction, are relatively rare and mainly consist of acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis. We describe an atypical clinical presentation of a varenicline-induced drug eruption, which occurred one day after drug initiation. We report this case since we believe no drug reaction to varenicline has had this clinical presentation or rapidity of onset. Clinicians should be aware of this potential adverse cutaneous reaction in patients taking varenicline for smoking cessation.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis*
  • Benzazepines / adverse effects
  • Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Nicotinic Agonists / adverse effects
  • Quinoxalines / adverse effects
  • Varenicline / adverse effects

Substances

  • Varenicline
  • Nicotinic Agonists
  • Benzazepines
  • Quinoxalines