A case report on red man syndrome

Abstract

Vancomycin is a glycopeptide antibiotic used for the treatment of serious infections caused by Gram-positive organism. Rapid infusion-related adverse drug reaction (ADR) of vancomycin is known as red man syndrome (RMS) or red neck syndrome. The manifestations of RMS are erythema, flushing, pruritis of the face, upper torso, and in severe cases dyspnea, chest pain, and hypotension. RMS occurs due to the release of histamine from degranulated mast cells and basophils. This histamine release is also associated with ciprofloxacin, amphotericin B, rifampicin, and teicoplanin. It can be prevented by slowing the infusion rate or pre-treatment with an H1-or H2-receptor antagonist.