A Dire Reaction: Rash after Amiodarone Administration

Abstract

Most of the severe systemic toxicities of amiodarone are well known. Yet, a more obscure but equally lethal toxicity occurred in a 74-year-old woman who was administered amiodarone for atrial fibrillation with a rapid ventricular response. Within 72 hours of beginning treatment with the antiarrhythmic agent, she developed a diffuse, desquamative rash involving her trunk, limbs, and face (Figure 1). Her mucous membranes were spared.