Drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms induced by cefotaxime and ampicillin

Cefotaxime (CTX) and ampicillin (ABPC) are antibiotics that are frequently used for pediatric patients. Described herein is a case of drug-related skin eruption presenting as a characteristic manifestation caused by CTX and ABPC. This case is suggestive of an uncommon adverse reaction to commonly used P-lactam antibiotics. We diagnosed this adverse reaction as drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS).(1,2) Aromatic antiepileptic agents and sulfonamides are the most frequent causes of this syndrome, and it was found in the present study that P-lactam antibiotics, that is CTX and ABPC, can induce DRESS. All clinicians who treat infections must be aware of this side-effect.