Dermatologic Manifestations of Rubella Medication

  • Author: Peter C Lombardo, MD; Chief Editor: Dirk M Elston, MD   more...
 
Updated: Jan 18, 2011
 

Medication Summary

No specific medication is available for rubella, except that given for symptomatic relief. High fever and polyarthralgia are rare in children; however, if present, acetaminophen may be used. In adults, in whom fever and polyarthralgia are more common, acetaminophen, aspirin, or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are useful.

Next

Analgesics, salicylate

Class Summary

These agents can reduce inflammation and fever.

View full drug information

Aspirin (Anacin, Ascriptin, Bayer Aspirin)

 

Treats mild to moderate pain and headache. Inhibits prostaglandin synthesis, which prevents formation of platelet-aggregating thromboxane A2. Acts on heat-regulating center of hypothalamus and vasodilates peripheral vessels to reduce fever.

Previous
Next

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents

Class Summary

These agents have analgesic and antipyretic activities. Their mechanism of action is not known, but they may inhibit cyclo-oxygenase activity and prostaglandin synthesis. Other mechanisms (eg, inhibition of leukotriene synthesis, lysosomal enzyme release, lipoxygenase activity, neutrophil aggregation, various cell membrane functions) may also exist. Although its effects in the treatment of pain tend to be patient-specific, ibuprofen is usually DOC for initial therapy.

View full drug information

Ibuprofen (Ibuprin, Advil, Motrin)

 

DOC for mild to moderate pain. Inhibits inflammatory reactions and pain by decreasing prostaglandin synthesis. One of the few NSAIDs indicated for reduction of fever.

Previous
Proceed to Follow-up
 
 
Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Peter C Lombardo, MD  Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Dermatology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons; Private Practice, Sutton Place Dermatology, PC

Peter C Lombardo, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American Medical Association, New York Academy of Medicine, New York Dermatological Society, and New York State Society of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery (NYSSDDS)

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Gregory J Raugi, MD, PhD  Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Dermatology, University of Washington at Seattle; Chief, Dermatology Section, Primary and Specialty Care Service, Veterans Administration Medical Center of Seattle

Gregory J Raugi, MD, PhD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Richard P Vinson, MD  Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Dermatology, Texas Tech University School of Medicine; Consulting Staff, Mountain View Dermatology, PA

Richard P Vinson, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, Association of Military Dermatologists, Texas Dermatological Society, and Texas Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Van Perry, MD  Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, University of Texas Health Science Center

Van Perry, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology and American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery

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, Department of Dermatology, Geisinger Medical Center

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

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

References

  1. [Guideline] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Recommendations from an Ad Hoc Meeting of the WHO Measles and Rubella Laboratory Network (LabNet) on Use of Alternative Diagnostic Samples for Measles and Rubella Surveillance. MMWR Morb Mort Wkly Rpt. Jun 2008;57(24):657-660. [Full Text].

  2. Danovaro-Holliday MC, LeBaron CW, Allensworth C, et al. A large rubella outbreak with spread from the workplace to the community. JAMA. Dec 6 2000;284(21):2733-9. [Medline].

  3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Rubella Outbreak-Westchester County, New York 1997-1998. MMWR Morb Mort Wkly Rpt. Jul 1999;48(26):560-563. [Full Text].

  4. Schluter WW, Reef SE, Redd SC, Dykewicz CA. Changing epidemiology of congenital rubella syndrome in the United States. J Infect Dis. Sep 1998;178(3):636-41. [Medline].

  5. Giles JP, Balsamo MR, Green RH, et al. Rubella: Studies on the Natural History and Prevention of the Disease. J Pediatr. 1963;63:816-7.

  6. American Association for Clinical Chemistry. Rubella. Lab Tests Online. Available at http://www.labtestsonline.org/. Accessed April 8, 2009.

  7. Jensen V. Measles on the rise as vaccinations fall, study reports. Royal Holloway, University of London. August 8, 2003;What's New.

  8. Omer SB, Salmon DA, Orenstein WA, deHart MP, Halsey N. Vaccine refusal, mandatory immunization, and the risks of vaccine-preventable diseases. N Engl J Med. May 7 2009;360(19):1981-8. [Medline].

  9. Madsen KM, Hviid A, Vestergaard M, et al. A population-based study of measles, mumps, and rubella vaccination and autism. N Engl J Med. Nov 7 2002;347(19):1477-82. [Medline].

  10. DeStefano F, Bhasin TK, Thompson WW, Yeargin-Allsopp M, Boyle C. Age at first measles-mumps-rubella vaccination in children with autism and school-matched control subjects: a population-based study in metropolitan atlanta. Pediatrics. Feb 2004;113(2):259-66. [Medline].

  11. Hitti M. Vaccine Court Rejects Autism Claims. WebMD Health News [serial online]. February 1, 2009;Available at http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/588202.

  12. Shinefield H, Black S, Digilio L, et al. Evaluation of a quadrivalent measles, mumps, rubella and varicella vaccine in healthy children. Pediatr Infect Dis J. Aug 2005;24(8):665-9. [Medline].

  13. [Guideline] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Recommended adult immunization schedule---United States, 2009. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2008;57(53):[Full Text].

  14. [Best Evidence] Klein NP, Fireman B, Yih WK, Lewis E, Kulldorff M, Ray P, et al. Measles-mumps-rubella-varicella combination vaccine and the risk of febrile seizures. Pediatrics. Jul 2010;126(1):e1-8. [Medline].

  15. [Best Evidence] Hviid A. Measles-mumps-rubella-varicella combination vaccine increases risk of febrile seizure. J Pediatr. Jan 2011;158(1):170. [Medline]. [Full Text].

  16. [Guideline] Marin M, Broder KR, Temte JL, Snider DE, Seward JF. Use of combination measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella vaccine: recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). MMWR Recomm Rep. May 7 2010;59:1-12. [Medline]. [Full Text].

  17. Gellis SE. Rubella (German measles). In: Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. Vol 2. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 1999:2395-8.

  18. Georges P, ed. Rubella. In: 1997 Redbook: Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases. Elk Grove Village, Ill: American Academy of Pediatrics; 1997:456-62.

  19. Lennette EH, Schmidt NJ. Diagnostic Procedures for Viral and Rickettsial Infections. 7th ed. Washington, DC: American Public Health Association; 1979:725-66.

  20. Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolan R, eds. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2000:1708-14.

  21. Weedon D, Strutton G. Skin Pathology. Edinburgh, Scotland: Churchill Livingston; 1997:597.

 
Previous
Next
 
Young adult with macular rash.
Child with generalized eruption.
Blueberry muffin newborn with lesions on the forehead.
 
 
 
All material on this website is protected by copyright, Copyright © 1994-2012 by WebMD LLC.
This website also contains material copyrighted by 3rd parties.

DISCLAIMER: The content of this Website is not influenced by sponsors. The site is designed primarily for use by qualified physicians and other medical professionals. The information contained herein should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of an appropriately qualified and licensed physician or other health care provider. The information provided here is for educational and informational purposes only. In no way should it be considered as offering medical advice. Please check with a physician if you suspect you are ill.