Erythema multiforme-like Eruption in Association with Severe Headache following Pyritinol

Abstract

A 46-year-old woman presented with an unusual erythema multiforme-like eruption and severe headache 10 days after treatment with pyritinol for cerebral concussion. Histopathologic findings were consistent with erythema multiforme. Skin lesions and headache cleared after withdrawal of the drug. According to neurological examination and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain, the headache may have resulted from a slight, pyritinol-induced vasculitis. Previous reports on severe pyritinol-induced side effects and possible pathogenetic mechanisms are reviewed. Since pyritinol cannot be considered as an essential drug for cerebral concussion, adverse effects as described here raise doubts as to its general use in the given indication.

Occupational contact dermatitis due to pyritinol

“…Pyritinol has previously been described as causing cutaneous side-effects such as pemphigus and pemphigus-like-reactions (19)(20)(21)(22), lichenoid reactions (23,24), lichen-planus-like eruptions from photosensitive dermatitis due to oral pyritinol (1), and erythema-multiforme-like eruptions (25). The free sulfhydryl (SH-) group in thiol drugs may contribute to the induction of the skin lesions (25,26). However, to our knowledge, this is only the 2nd reported case of allergic contact dermatitis from pyritinol.…”

Nootropics as Cognitive Enhancers: Types, Dosage and Side Effects of Smart Drugs

“…The minimum recommended daily dose is 300 mg, divided into three sub-doses, but the amount taken should be 600 mg or more [90,97]. The common side effects are non-specific rashes, headache, inflammation of the oral mucosa, acute pancreatitis, diarrhea, nausea, and loss of appetite [99][100][101]. Pyritinol crosses the placenta, but systemic testing in mice and rats did not show teratogenic or embryotoxic effects.…”