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Abstract #17165 Published in IGR 9-1
Allergic contact dermatitis due to (β)-blockers in eye drops: A retrospective analysis of multicentre surveillance data 1993-2004
Jappe U; Uter W; Menezes De Padua CA; Herbst RA; Schnuch AActa Dermato-Venereologica 2006; 86: 509-514
Topically applied ophthalmic drugs are a potential cause of allergic contact dermatitis of the periorbital region. The objectives of this study were to assess the frequency and spectrum of contact allergy to topically applied (β)-blocker containing eye drops. Data of the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK) collected between 1993 and 2004 was analysed. Out of 112,430 patch-tested patients, 332 had been tested with their own topical anti-glaucoma eye drops containing different (β)-blockers because of suspected allergic contact dermatitis. The frequency of positive test reactions was related to exposure intensity, as estimated by annual prescription rates in Germany. A total of 43/332 (12.95%) showed at least one positive patch test reaction. Positive reactions were observed to products containing timolol (n = 21), metipranolol (n = 13) and levobunolol (n = 11) without conceivable cross-reactivity. Whereas exposure to (β)-blocker-containing eye drops remained stable over the years, as estimated by the prescription rates, a slight, non-significant increase in positive patch-reactions to these substances was noted. This is the first systematic analysis of a large set of data on patients' own (β)-blocker topical medications, the results indicating that contact allergy should be considered as important, if rare, adverse event caused by this family of drugs.
Dr. U. Jappe, Department of Dermatology, University of Heidelberg, Vossstrasse 2, DE-69115 Heidelberg, Germany. Uta_Jappe@med.uni-heidelberg.de
Classification:
11.3.4 Betablocker (Part of: 11 Medical treatment > 11.3 Adrenergic drugs)