Increasing awareness of the risk of drug-induced intracranial hypertension in patients with acne requiring treatment for bacterial STI

Drug-induced intracranial hypertension (DIIH) is a condition characterised by headaches, impaired visual acuity, visual field defects and blindness as a result of papilloedema,1 where a temporal link between symptoms and medication onset can be clearly defined. Although there are limited data describing the natural course of DIIH, discontinuation of the inciting drug is only sufficient in some cases.1 DIIH as a result of co-prescription with tetracycline-class antibiotics, and isotretinoin has been well documented in the literature.1 Isotretinoin is prescribed for severe, recalcitrant acne vulgaris, which is most prevalent among adolescents, 85% of whom are aged 12–24 years. These individuals are also at increased risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), some of which require treatment with doxycycline. This co-prescription raises the risk of DIIH, a side effect less recognised outside of dermatology. Doxycycline has many indications including chlamydia, syphilis and staphylococcal infections. Doxycycline is...
Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections - Category: Sexual Medicine Authors: Tags: PostScript Source Type: research