# Phenytoin-Induced Exanthematous Drug Eruption: A Rare Complication to Watch Out for!

## TL;DR

A 21-year-old woman developed a rare purple rash after taking phenytoin, an anticonvulsant drug, highlighting the need to monitor for this uncommon side effect.

## Contribution

The paper reports a rare case of phenytoin-induced exanthematous drug eruption and reviews its management and pathophysiology.

## Key findings

- A 21-year-old female developed a purple rash on her chest, abdomen, and trunk after phenytoin treatment.
- Phenytoin-induced exanthematous drug eruption is a rare but important adverse effect to be aware of in clinical practice.

## Abstract

Phenytoin is a first-generation anticonvulsant medicine that efficiently cures a wide range of seizures, including status epilepticus, complex partial seizures, and generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GCTS). The major advantage of phenytoin is that its neurological functions are preserved. Phenytoin works by inhibiting voltage-dependent membrane Na channels, which are essential to generate action potential. This function inhibits the positive feedback, leading to high-frequency repeated firing, reducing seizure spread in the focal region. A purple color rash on the chest, abdomen, and trunk developed in a 21-year-old female patient after being treated with phenytoin is being reported. The presentation, pathophysiology, and management are also reviewed.