Abstract
Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that is indicated for
gastroduodenal ulcer, gastroesophageal reflux and hypersecretory states.
It has an excellent safety profile with a low incidence of adverse
effects. We report an Omeprazole-induced urticaria in a patient and
emphasize the role of allergological work-up to point out the culprit
drug and in exploring cross-reactivity. A 56-year-old man with a history
of Biermer anemia treated by vitamin B12. He has asthma and no other
illnesses, allergic diseases or reactions, especially to drugs. He was
treated with Omeprazole, for abdominal discomfort. Four hours after the
first dose, the patient developed urticarial lesions with annular
erythematous wheals localized on the trunk and upper limbs. There was
neither angioedema nor respiratory and hemodynamic symptoms. An acute
generalized urticaria to omeprazole was suspected. Four weeks later,
Skin prick test than intradermal tests (IDT) to omeprazole were
performed on the patient’s forearm. They revealed respectively a
negative and a positive result. To assess cross-reactivity to other PPIs
in our patient, we subsequently performed prick test to lansoprazole and
IDT to esomeprazole, and pantoprazole that were negative at 20-min
reading. Moreover, graded oral provocation test with these drugs were
carried out with negative result. In conclusion we add to the medical
literature a case report of omeprazole-induced urticaria without a cross
reactivity and point out the usefulness and safety of skin and
provocation testing in diagnosing this drug reaction and in the
assessment of cross-reactivity between PPIs. KEYWORDS: omeprazole,
urticaria, cross-reactivity, selective hypersensitivity