Which medication is most likely responsible for causing a rash in a patient?

Which medication is most likely responsible for causing a rash in a patient?

• A. Acetaminophen
• B. Barbiturates
• C. Penicillin
• D. Diphenhydramine

Answer: (C)

The most likely medication to cause a rash in a patient is penicillin. This antibiotic is known for its potential to induce allergic reactions, which can manifest as skin rashes. Penicillin allergies are quite common and can vary from mild rashes to more severe reactions like anaphylaxis. The mechanism typically involves an immune-mediated response where the body identifies the drug as a foreign substance, leading to the release of histamines and other chemicals that result in skin reactions. In contrast, while acetaminophen, barbiturates, and diphenhydramine can also cause adverse skin reactions, they are less commonly associated with allergic rashes compared to penicillin. Acetaminophen is generally well tolerated and, while it can cause skin reactions, they are rare. Barbiturates can cause rashes in the context of hypersensitivity, but again, not as frequently as penicillin. Diphenhydramine, an antihistamine, can also lead to skin reactions, particularly in overdose situations or as a part of hypersensitivity, but it is primarily used to counteract allergic symptoms rather than induce them. Understanding the specific medications that carry a higher risk of allergic reactions is crucial for clinical practice, as it helps guide safe prescribing and management of

The most likely medication to cause a rash in a patient is penicillin. This antibiotic is known for its potential to induce allergic reactions, which can manifest as skin rashes. Penicillin allergies are quite common and can vary from mild rashes to more severe reactions like anaphylaxis. The mechanism typically involves an immune-mediated response where the body identifies the drug as a foreign substance, leading to the release of histamines and other chemicals that result in skin reactions.

In contrast, while acetaminophen, barbiturates, and diphenhydramine can also cause adverse skin reactions, they are less commonly associated with allergic rashes compared to penicillin. Acetaminophen is generally well tolerated and, while it can cause skin reactions, they are rare. Barbiturates can cause rashes in the context of hypersensitivity, but again, not as frequently as penicillin. Diphenhydramine, an antihistamine, can also lead to skin reactions, particularly in overdose situations or as a part of hypersensitivity, but it is primarily used to counteract allergic symptoms rather than induce them.

Understanding the specific medications that carry a higher risk of allergic reactions is crucial for clinical practice, as it helps guide safe prescribing and management of