Drug Fever

Drug fever is the febrile response to a drug without cutaneous manifestations.Although the exact incidence of drug fever remains unknown, it has been estimated to occur in approximately 10% of inpatient^.^,'^,^^The recognition of drug fever is of great clinical importance because, if drug fever is not recognized diagnostically, patients may be subjected to prolonged hospitalization and unecessary testing and medications.Furthermore, the sensitizing medication may be continued or administered again at a later date.Early diagnosis and treatment of drug fevers are essential in maintaining cost-effective, high-quality medical care. MECHANISMSThe mechanisms of drug fever remain poorly understood, but currently drug-related fevers are divided into five broad categories: (1) altered thermoregulatory mechanisms; (2) drug administration-related fever; (3) fevers relating to the pharmacologic action of a drug; (4) idiosyncratic reactions; and (5) the most common mechanism for the development of fever, the hypersensitivity reaction. Altered Thermoregulatory MechanismsCertain drugs cause elevations in temperature by disruption of the body's thermoregulatory mechanisms.Exogenous thyroid hormone