Abstract: Objective To investigate the rela-tionship-between clinical usage of drugs and drug eruption,and the prevention and treatment of drug eruption.Methods A retrospective analysis was carried out on the clinical data of all inpatients suffered with drug eruption admitted into our hospital during the ten years from Jan 1994 to Dec 2003.Results Of a total of 539 cases,68.09%(367/539) were confirmed to be caused by one drug.One hundred and fourteen cases were caused by penicillin,among which 79 cases were amoxicillin allergic,and 81.6%(93/114) were of exanthema of drug eruption pattern.Ninety six cases were caused by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs).Among 64 severe cases,19 and 18 were caused by NSAIDs and anti-epilepsy drugs,respectively.Among drug eruptions caused by anti-epilepsy drugs and allopurinol,severe cases accounted for 72%(18/25) and 90%(4/5),respectively,which had a long duration,and usually required prednisone for the effective treatment in a dosage of 80-120 mg/d.Conclusions Penicillins,especially amoxicillin,and NSAIDs are the most frequent causes of drug eruption.Severe drug eruptions are most often caused by NSAIDs and anti-epilepsy drugs.

Key words: Drug eruptions, Penicillins, Analgesics, Anticonvulsants