Probenecid hypersensitivity in AIDS: a case report.
BACKGROUND: Cidofovir plus probenecid is a new therapeutic alternative for refractory cytomegalovirus and acyclovir-resistant herpes infections in AIDS patients. Probenecid is used in conjunction with the antiherpetic medication (cidofovir) in order to reduce the incidence of nephrotoxicity by cidofovir. OBJECTIVE: To present therapeutic alternatives for successful administration of probenecid to AIDS patients who develop a hypersensitivity reaction to the medication. METHODS AND RESULTS: We describe a patient with AIDS who was being treated with the cidofovir/probenecid combination for a peri-anal acyclovir-resistant herpetic infection. The patient subsequently developed a cutaneous hypersensitivity reaction to probenecid alone. A pretreatment regimen consisting of prednisone, H1 and H2 blockers was administered before the dosing of probenecid in order for the patient to continue with the antiviral therapy. CONCLUSION: Cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions to probenecid may be seen more frequently with the increasing use of cidofovir in AIDS patients. Our pre-treatment protocol is one therapeutic alternative to be considered in order to continue with probenecid.