Drug-Induced Pemphigus Medication

  • Author: Diane M Scott, MD; Chief Editor: Dirk M Elston, MD   more...
 
Updated: Jan 13, 2012
 

Medication Summary

For patients in whom the disease does not resolve upon withdrawal of the offending agent, medical therapy is necessary. Generally, systemic corticosteroids or other immunosuppressants are required. Anecdotal reports support the use of alternate immunomodulating agents (eg, antimalarial drugs, rituximab, intravenous immunoglobulin, mycophenolate mofetil). Recent reports suggest targeting cholinergic drugs as antiacantholytic therapy for idiopathic pemphigus.

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Corticosteroids

Class Summary

Systemic corticosteroids (eg, prednisone) should be initiated in patients with disease that persists after the implicated agent has been discontinued. Since most cases of drug-induced pemphigus involve an immune mechanism, the anti-inflammatory and immune modulating properties of corticosteroids are beneficial. In idiopathic pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus, high doses of systemic corticosteroids may be needed. This also may be necessary for cases of drug-induced pemphigus.

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Prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone, Sterapred)

 

Initial DOC for severe or recalcitrant cases of drug-induced pemphigus. Immunosuppressant for treatment of autoimmune disorders; may decrease inflammation by reversing increased capillary permeability and suppressing PMN activity. Stabilizes lysosomal membranes and suppresses lymphocytes and antibody production. Up-regulates keratinocyte adhesion molecules desmoglein 1 and 3.

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Immunosuppressants

Class Summary

For patients who do not respond to moderate doses of systemic steroids or for patients in whom steroids are contraindicated. Also used as steroid-sparing agents.

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Azathioprine (Imuran)

 

Antagonizes purine metabolism and inhibits synthesis of DNA, RNA, and proteins. May decrease proliferation of immune cells, which results in lower autoimmune activity. Useful in steroid-resistant patients. Less toxic than some other immunosuppressants. Generally, used in conjunction with low doses of systemic corticosteroids.

Prior measurement of thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT) levels can be useful in guiding initial dose.

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Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan, Neosar)

 

Chemically related to nitrogen mustards. As an alkylating agent, the mechanism of action of the active metabolites may involve cross-linking of DNA, which may interfere with growth of normal and neoplastic cells. Effective in treating pemphigus; however, this drug also is very toxic.

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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Diane M Scott, MD  Dermatologist and Dermatopathologist, Palm Beach Dermatology

Diane M Scott, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Daniel Davis, MD  Associate Professor, Departments of Dermatology, Otolaryngology, and Pathology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Kimberly I Soderberg, MD  Consulting Staff, Oyster Point Dermatology

Kimberly I Soderberg, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, American Medical Association, Arkansas Medical Society, and Women's Dermatologic Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

David Woodley, MD  Co-Chair, Professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, University of Southern California

David Woodley, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American Association for the Advancement of Science, American College of Emergency Physicians, American College of Physicians, American Federation for Medical Research, American Society for Clinical Investigation, New York Academy of Medicine, Society for Investigative Dermatology, and Southern Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Michael J Wells, MD  Associate Professor, Department of Dermatology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Paul L Foster School of Medicine

Michael J Wells, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, American Medical Association, and Texas Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Jeffrey J Miller, MD  Associate Professor of Dermatology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine; Staff Dermatologist, Pennsylvania State Milton S Hershey Medical Center

Jeffrey J Miller, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, Association of Professors of Dermatology, North American Hair Research Society, and Society for Investigative Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Catherine M Quirk, MD  Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania

Catherine M Quirk, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha and American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Dirk M Elston, MD  Director, Ackerman Academy of Dermatopathology, New York

Dirk M Elston, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

References

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