Case
Published · Updated · 2 min read
Localized morbilliform eruption after a single dose of sildenafil: a case report
What it means for practice
Consider sildenafil as a potential cause of localized morbilliform eruptions, even after first exposure. In this case, the eruption resolved with conservative management without corticosteroids.
Summary
A case describes an asymptomatic, localized morbilliform eruption in a 34-year-old man with no significant medical history. The eruption developed four days after a single 100 mg dose of sildenafil, representing his first reported exposure.
Clinical findings and investigations
Erythematous macules and papules were confined to the back. There was no mucosal involvement, facial edema, vesiculation, bullae formation, purpura, desquamation, or systemic symptoms. Complete blood count and serum biochemical investigations were unremarkable, with no eosinophilia or evidence of hepatic, renal, or hematologic abnormalities. No other medications, supplements, recent infectious illness, or other apparent triggers were identified.
Causality and course
Based on the clinical presentation and temporal relationship, the authors considered a sildenafil-associated drug eruption. The Naranjo Adverse Drug Reaction Probability Scale yielded a score of 6, indicating a probable adverse drug reaction. Conservative treatment with antihistamines was used; the eruption resolved spontaneously without corticosteroids or other specific interventions.
The authors emphasize recognizing this potential reaction to sildenafil, even when the eruption is localized and occurs after the first reported exposure.
Case analysis
- Likely mechanism
- The generally accepted mechanism of morbilliform drug eruptions is a T-cell-mediated delayed hypersensitivity reaction. This is a general pharmacological explanation, not a mechanism demonstrated in this case.
- Causality assessment
- The authors reported a Naranjo Adverse Drug Reaction Probability Scale score of 6, indicating a probable adverse drug reaction.
- Take-home lesson
- Sildenafil should be considered among potential causes of localized morbilliform eruptions even after the first reported exposure. In this case, without systemic findings or laboratory abnormalities, the eruption resolved with conservative antihistamine treatment without corticosteroids.
Source
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Habte YM, Habte MM, Abdu EM, et al. Localized Morbilliform Drug Eruption Following Sildenafil Exposure: A Case Report. Cureus. 2026;18(10):e117354. doi:10.7759/cureus.117354
PubMed 42968972 DOI 10.7759/cureus.117354 Original: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Reviewed by: DrugCard editorial team ·
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