Vancomycin is an antibiotic that’s used to treat infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). But it can cause a reaction called red man syndrome.
It’s caused by the overstimulation of immune cells in the body that correspond to allergic reactions. These cells release histamine and result in flushing of the skin.
Causes
Vancomycin is used to treat serious bacterial infections including those caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). A reaction to the antibiotic, described as red man syndrome, can result in flushing of the face and upper middle part of the body. In addition, symptoms such as weakness, back and chest pain and swelling under the skin called angioedema can develop.
Researchers are studying whether variant alleles for genes involved in the histamine pathway may be associated with this reaction. They are also looking to determine if the condition is affected by the combination of drugs a person takes, such as opioid analgesics, muscle relaxants and contrast dye.
Histamine is released from mast cells when they are stimulated by a variety of substances, including vancomycin. The resulting histamine triggers the release of other chemicals that cause an inflammatory response in the body, leading to the signs and symptoms of this reaction.
Research shows that patients who take histamine-blocking drugs prior to receiving the antibiotic are less likely to experience a histamine release. Oral antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine, can also reduce the occurrence of red man syndrome in some individuals. In order to prevent the condition, doctors recommend slowing the rate of vancomycin infusion.
The use of the term “red man syndrome” has been criticized due to its racist connotations. PIDS supports the universal removal of the slur and recommends replacing it with “vancomycin flushing syndrome.”
While it is unclear exactly what causes the reaction, some theories suggest that rapid infusion of the medication triggers a degranulation of mast cells, which leads to an inflammatory response and subsequent rash. Other possible causes include direct cellular stimulation by the drug, the presence of other medications in the bloodstream that can stimulate histamine release and an allergic reaction to the medication. Other medications that can induce a histamine release include ciprofloxacin, amphotericin B and rifampcin. Some researchers have also reported that a bacterial species, Clostridium difficile, can trigger the condition. Several clinical trials are investigating the use of vaccines to prevent this reaction in those at high risk for developing it.
Symptoms
Red man syndrome is a drug reaction caused by the antibiotic vancomycin (Vancocin) that consists of a red, itchy rash. The rash is usually found on the face, neck, and upper middle area of the body, but can also occur on other parts of the body. Symptoms usually begin four to ten minutes after a person receives his or her first dose of the medication. During the initial infusion, histamine is released from mast cells and basophils that are overstimulated by vancomycin.
Previously, the condition was called “red man syndrome,” but that name has been dropped due to its derogatory and racist implications for Native American patients. The term was replaced with “vancomycin flushing syndrome” or VFS, as it is now known.
Although the rashes associated with this drug reaction are generally only localized to areas of the head and neck, the symptoms can be severe. Fever, shivering, hives, low blood pressure, and weakness may be present as well. This condition is typically not life threatening and the rash usually disappears after treatment is completed.
It is important for a doctor to know if a patient has been diagnosed with red man syndrome so that the correct treatment can be given. In most cases, the rash will stop when the infusion is stopped and antihistamines can be administered orally or intravenously to reduce histamine levels. If a patient has a severe symptom like breathing difficulty, altered mental status, or stridor, epinephrine auto-injector treatment should be administered immediately.
This is a common type of hypersensitivity reaction that occurs with the glycopeptide antibiotic vancomycin. It was originally thought to be due to the presence of impurities in the preparation of vancomycin, but it continues to happen even after improvements have been made in how pure and sanitized the antibiotic is. Other types of antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin, cefepime, amphotericin B, and rifampicin can also cause a similar reaction in some patients. However, these reactions are much less common than the red man syndrome reaction to vancomycin.
Diagnosis
The antibiotic vancomycin is very effective at treating bacterial infections, especially those caused by MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus). This drug prevents bacteria from making cell walls. However, it can cause side effects such as red man syndrome. This condition is characterized by a red, splotchy rash on the face and neck. It also causes itching. The rash usually appears within four to 10 minutes after beginning the drug’s infusion. It may last for one week after treatment.
Diagnosing this reaction is simple. Symptoms of itching and redness can be identified by a doctor during a clinical examination. The patient will probably be told to take an oral antihistamine. This will help reduce the symptoms. If the symptoms don’t improve, the antibiotic should be stopped immediately.
Some other drugs can trigger red man syndrome as well, including ciprofloxacin, amphotericin B, and rifampcin. This is because they are capable of stimulating mast cells to release histamine, similar to the action of vancomycin. This drug reaction is more common in people who are receiving the medication via intravenous infusion than by mouth or rectal administration.
In addition to the drug itself, certain risk factors increase the likelihood of getting this reaction. These include a history of allergies, a history of MRSA infection, and being female. It is important for physicians to identify these risk factors so that they can make educated decisions about which patients should receive the medication.
While the term “red man syndrome” has been used to describe this drug reaction, the medical community is working towards changing it. This is because it has a negative connotation with Native Americans. The term can be perceived as a racial slur and should not be used in the medical community. Retaining this name will only hinder progress in delivering quality healthcare to this vulnerable population. This group is already experiencing a host of health problems such as depression, suicide, and substance abuse, which can be exacerbated by distrust and mistreatment in the healthcare system. The name of this disorder needs to be changed to reflect the sensitivity of its meaning.
Treatment
Vancomycin is a powerful antibiotic that is used to treat serious infections caused by bacteria, including MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). It kills the bacteria by blocking their ability to make cell walls. However, it can cause a rash in some people. This rash is known as red man syndrome and can be treated at a local urgent care clinic.
Symptoms of red man syndrome can include itching, flushing, or a rash that may feel like urticarial rash. They usually occur during or after the drug’s intravenous infusion and can change in severity from one treatment to the next. The rash may be limited to the face or body. The symptoms of the rash usually appear within 4 to 10 minutes after the start of the infusion.
In addition to a rash, red man syndrome can also cause low blood pressure and nausea. It can be a life-threatening reaction if it causes sepsis, which is when bacteria enter the bloodstream and attack multiple organs. Those with severe or life-threatening symptoms should be seen by a doctor right away.
Other antibiotics can also cause histamine-mediated reactions, such as Rifampicin, Ciprofloxacin, and Amphotericin B. However, these are less common. Antihistamines can be given before the antibiotic is administered to help prevent this reaction. In most cases, the medication will not need to be stopped. Rather, it can be given more slowly or at a lower dose to reduce the chance of side effects.
Research has shown that if patients are pre-treated with an antihistamine prior to receiving vancomycin, their risk of developing this reaction can be reduced significantly. This is because the histamine levels increase less in those individuals, thereby making it safer for them to receive the medication.
The term “red man syndrome” has been replaced by the more appropriate phrase, “vancomycin flushing reaction,” in most respects. The use of this more palatable name is encouraged by several respected medical and pharmacy journals because of the insensitive and racist ties associated with the original eponym. This newer name is also used in StatPearls, a government resource.