Background: Drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) is a severe drug reaction characterised by rash, eosinophilia and systemic involvement.
Main observations: We report a case of DRESS induced by pentoxifylline used for the treatment of severe alcoholic hepatitis, in a patient with longstanding caffeine intolerance. A history of intolerance to caffeine and other methylxanthines is listed as a contraindication to the use of pentoxifylline, yet this precaution is not mentioned in alcoholic hepatitis treatment guidelines.
Conclusions: Prescribers should always seek a history of intolerance to caffeine and related compounds prior to use of pentoxifylline, as severe life threatening reactions can occur.
Keywords: DRESS; adverse drug reaction; alcoholic hepatitis; caffeine; eosinophilia; methylxanthines; pentoxifylline.