Läkemedelsfeber

Läkemedelsfeber, also known as drug fever, is a type of fever that occurs as a reaction to a medication. It is a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning other causes of fever must be ruled out first. Läkemedelsfeber is a common cause of drug-induced fever, and it can occur with a wide variety of medications, though it is most frequently associated with antibiotics such as penicillin and cephalosporins, anticonvulsants, and certain cardiovascular drugs.

The fever typically develops within one to three weeks of starting the offending medication, although it can appear earlier or later. The fever can range from mild to high and may be accompanied by other symptoms like rash, joint pain, or a general feeling of being unwell. In some cases, eosinophilia, an increase in eosinophils (a type of white blood cell), may be present in blood tests, which can further support the diagnosis.

The mechanism by which drugs cause fever is not fully understood but is thought to involve an immune response. The drug or its metabolite may act as an antigen, triggering the release of pyrogens (fever-inducing substances) by immune cells.

The diagnosis of läkemedelsfeber relies heavily on the temporal relationship between the drug administration and the onset of fever, as well as the resolution of fever upon discontinuation of the drug. Once identified, the primary treatment is to stop the causative medication. The fever usually resolves within 24 to 72 hours after discontinuing the drug. If fever persists or is severe, symptomatic treatment with antipyretics may be considered. Careful review of all medications a patient is taking is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.